Magnitude 7 Earthquake in NTT Claims Two Lives
An earthquake measuring Magnitude 7 struck Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Two people have been reported dead.
“The incident resulted in two fatalities and one person injured. The two deceased victims consisted of one male and one female,” said Plt. Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, on Saturday (15/8/2026).
He said the information was based on a preliminary report from the Sikka Military District Command. The earthquake had an impact in the El Say Port area, Sikka Regency.
Victim data is still in the process of verification and further data collection by the team in the field. A joint team consisting of Basarnas, TNI and Polri personnel is still carrying out evacuation at the scene.
BNPB together with the Sikka Regency BPBD continue to coordinate with relevant elements to handle victims and ensure the condition of communities around the affected area.
In Nagekeo Regency, the earthquake was felt very strongly for approximately one minute. Most residents felt the shaking and rushed out of their homes.
The Nagekeo Regency BPBD coordinated with relevant agencies following a tsunami early warning and carried out evacuation of residents in coastal areas.
Similar conditions were reported in Sikka Regency and West Manggarai Regency. Residents felt the earthquake very strongly for approximately one minute and most people left their homes.
“The BPBD in both regions coordinated with relevant elements and directed the evacuation of residents in coastal areas,” he said.
The earthquake was also felt in Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), as well as a number of areas in South Sulawesi, including Jeneponto Regency, Selayar Islands Regency and Maros Regency.
“Residents in several of these areas also felt the shaking and some rushed out of their homes,” he said.
The magnitude 7 earthquake occurred this morning at 04.58.24 WIB. Based on updated information, the epicentre was at sea at a depth of 15 kilometres, about 38 kilometres northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, NTT.
Following the main earthquake, several aftershocks were recorded. An aftershock with a magnitude of 6.2 occurred at 05.13.53 WIB, then magnitude 6.2 at 05.28.40 WIB and magnitude 5.6 at 05.37.19 WIB. A number of other aftershocks were also recorded, including magnitude 5.5. Based on preliminary information, these aftershocks did not have tsunami potential.
BNPB is still updating data on the impact of the earthquake in affected areas. Data collection includes fatalities, injuries, building damage and other impacts. Information on the development of casualties and damage will be provided based on verification results from officers in the field.
BNPB urged residents, especially those in coastal areas, to remain calm and follow official directions from local governments as well as early warning information from BMKG. Residents were also asked to stay away from buildings that suffered damage or cracks due to the earthquake as they could endanger safety.