NTT Earthquake Update: Ruteng Shaken Again by M 4.1 Quake This Afternoon

An earthquake has again shaken Ruteng, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). According to official information from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) on its official website, the earthquake occurred at 13:59 WIB with a magnitude of 4.1.

“The epicentre was at sea, 69 km northeast of Ruteng-Manggarai. Magnitude 4.1,” as quoted from the official BMKG website, Sunday 16 August 2026.

The earthquake was located at coordinates 8.11°S–120.11°E with a depth of 20 km. Earlier, at 13:51, an earthquake was also recorded in Ruteng, NTT, with a magnitude of 5.7. The epicentre was at coordinates 7.90°S–120.64°E.

Based on provisional data from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) on Sunday morning, 16 August 2026, at 09.00, the recorded death toll had reached 51 people. The Head of Basarnas said the figure had increased from the previous data, which still recorded 48 fatalities.

The largest increase in the latest data update came from East Manggarai Regency. The SAR team evacuated three residents who were found dead.

In addition, the number of fatalities in the Manggarai or Reo area also increased by one person. Previously, the area recorded 23 fatalities, and the figure now stands at 24.

In response to the escalating disaster, the NTT Provincial Government is processing a decree to establish an emergency response status for the next 14 days. Similar measures have also been officially taken at the affected regency/city level.

Manggarai Regency has established a Disaster Emergency Response status for 90 days (15 August–13 November 2026) through Regent’s Decree No. 319 of 2026, followed by the establishment of a command post through Decree No. 320 of 2026.

Ngada Regency has imposed a Disaster Emergency Response period and established a Command Post for 30 days (15 August–15 September 2026) through Regent’s Decrees No. 441 and No. 442/KEP/HK/2026.

Furthermore, East Manggarai Regency has also established a Disaster Alert status until 4 September 2026 through Regent’s Decree Number HK/141 of 2026.

Meanwhile, to date, the joint team and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) remain on standby, combing the location to conduct further data collection and verification. To support emergency medical services, a Field Hospital has been established and is operating in Reok District, Manggarai Regency.