NTT Hit by Aftershocks, M5.2 Strikes This Morning

Aftershocks continue to emerge in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) with varying intensity. The latest, an aftershock with a magnitude above 5, occurred this morning. According to information released by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) on Sunday (16/8/2026), an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.2 occurred at 06:12:54 WIB. The epicentre was located 84 km northeast of Ruteng, Manggarai, NTT, at a depth of 10 km. The earthquake did not pose a tsunami risk.

Previously, BMKG Head Teuku Faisal Fathani stated that as of Saturday at 14.00 WIB, 235 aftershocks had been recorded with magnitudes ranging from 2.5 to 6.2. Most of the seismic activity was concentrated in the northern region of Flores Island. BMKG is also monitoring the frequency of aftershocks over time. Based on the observed graph, the number of aftershocks has not yet entered a decay phase. “From hour to hour we observe, until now it has not experienced decay,” said Faisal.

He explained that this condition is still considered normal in a major earthquake sequence. Based on experience from previous earthquake events, including the earthquake in North Maluku, the decay process of aftershocks generally takes about two to three weeks. “Generally, decay will occur in 2-3 weeks, like the earthquake in North Maluku that recently occurred,” he explained.

Therefore, BMKG has asked the public to remain alert to the possibility of aftershocks that may still occur in the coming weeks. “It takes time until these aftershocks will subside after 2 or 3 weeks,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) revealed that based on preliminary data as of Saturday at 18.48 WIB, the total number of fatalities had reached 47 people. “The distribution of victims was identified in Manggarai Regency with 24 people, East Manggarai with 17 people, Sikka with 3 people, West Manggarai with 1 person, Ngada with 1 person, and Ende with 1 person. In addition to these victims, officers evacuated and provided medical treatment to the injured,” said Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre Berton SP Panjaitan in his statement.