BMKG Records 2,768 Aftershocks in NTT, Graph Still Fluctuating
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded 2,768 aftershocks following the main earthquake of magnitude (M) 7.7 that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The largest aftershock was recorded at M 6.2.
Head of the BMKG Geophysical Station Arief Tyasmata in Kupang said the data was calculated up to 06.00 WITA today. He said that of the thousands of aftershocks, the largest recorded magnitude reached M 6.2, while the smallest was M 1.1.
“The total number of aftershocks up to 19 August 2026 at 05.00 WIB or 06.00 WITA was 2,768 events. The largest magnitude was 6.2 and the smallest was 1.1,” said Arief.
He explained that of the total aftershocks, 24 events had a magnitude above 5, while 81 aftershocks were felt by the public. According to Arief, aftershock activity still shows fluctuating conditions. Based on the earthquake decay graph, BMKG has not yet seen a clear pattern of declining activity.
“From the decay graph it is still fluctuating and the decay pattern is not yet clearly visible,” he said.
Arief estimates that aftershock activity will take around two to three weeks to begin showing more stable conditions.
“The estimate is that it will stabilise in about two to three weeks,” he said.
He said BMKG continues to monitor the development of seismic activity in the Flores region and its surroundings and urges the public to remain calm and follow official information from BMKG. This, he said, is to avoid information that cannot be accounted for, especially that which could unsettle the public, particularly earthquake victims.
70 People Killed
Basarnas previously provided the latest information regarding the handling of the earthquake in NTT. Officers recorded an increase in the number of earthquake victims.
“As of the third day yesterday, at 23.30 WIB, we have compiled the total number of victims at 202 people, 70 dead and 132 injured,” said Basarnas Director of Operations, First Admiral Yudhi Bramantyo, in a press conference on Tuesday (18/8).
He detailed that the 132 injured consisted of 40 people with serious injuries and 92 with minor injuries. He said officers are still sweeping the areas affected by the earthquake.