Conditions in Several Regions of NTT After M 7.7 Earthquake
On Saturday 15 August 2026 at 04.58 WIB or 05.58 WITA, an earthquake measuring magnitude 7.7 shook the northern region of Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded that a thrust fault movement caused strong shaking and potential tsunami.
BMKG Deputy for Geophysics, Nelly Florida Riama, explained that BMKG identified the shallow earthquake, at a depth of 15 km, as originating from Flores Back-Arc Thrust activity. Analysis of updated parameters showed the earthquake epicentre was at sea at coordinates 8.41° S and 121.39° E, precisely 30 km northeast of Nagekeo, NTT.
The earthquake on Saturday morning also triggered the issuance of a tsunami early warning level 1 after the initial quake was recorded at M7.0. At that time, northern Ngada was on alert status with an estimated tsunami arrival time of around 05.01 WIB.
In Sikka and Labuan Bajo, NTT, tsunami waves were recorded at heights of 0.19 metres and 0.36 metres respectively. Meanwhile in Dompu, NTT, a tsunami wave was detected at 0.17 metres.
BMKG Head, Teuku Faisal Fathani, stated that BMKG recorded 235 aftershock activities from Saturday morning until 14.00 WIB following the main earthquake in the north of Flores Island. The aftershocks were distributed north of Flores Island with magnitudes ranging from M 2.5 to M 6.2.
A number of buildings were affected, including residents’ homes, public facilities, and hospitals. In documentation received by VIVA.co.id, an electricity pole was seen collapsed in the Golokoe area of Labuan Bajo, West Flores, NTT. Large trees in the surrounding area were seen uprooted, blocking roads.
In addition, seawater appeared to recede after the earthquake shook the region. The condition was visible from the sea level being lower than usual. Even the support pillars of a public bridge were visible due to the receding water.
The BRI building in the Borong area of NTT was also seen completely destroyed after the earthquake struck this morning. A number of residents in the Borong area were also seen running towards the hills following the earthquake this morning.