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BMKG: Earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur similar to 1992 event, caused by thrust fault activity

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • BMKG stated that the earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur on Saturday, August 15, 2026, was similar to an event in 1992.
  • The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.7, was triggered by the activity of a thrust fault in the Flores back-arc region.
  • This geological activity has been identified as the cause of the significant seismic event.

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has identified the cause of the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Nusa Tenggara Timur on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The agency revealed that the seismic event was triggered by the activity of a thrust fault located within the Flores back-arc region.

BMKG noted that this type of geological activity is not unprecedented in the region. The agency drew a parallel to a similar seismic event that occurred in 1992, suggesting a recurring pattern of geological stress and release in the area. The Flores back-arc region is known for its complex tectonic setting, making it susceptible to such earthquake-generating fault movements.

The agency's findings provide a scientific explanation for the earthquake's occurrence, emphasizing the role of the specific thrust fault in initiating the tremors. This information is crucial for understanding seismic risks in the region and informing future disaster preparedness efforts.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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