Indonesia earthquake: Experts warn of aftershocks near Labuan Bajo

An earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude struck near Labuan Bajo in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The quake, occurring at a depth of 10 km, prompted the evacuation of patients from the Siloam Hospital in Labuan Bajo. Local police assisted hospital staff in moving patients to the hospital grounds following the tremor.

According to Prof. Irwan Meilano, a geophysics expert from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the earthquake originated from the Flores back-arc thrust fault system. He cautioned that the potential for aftershocks remains significant because a portion of this fault system has not yet released seismic energy.

Meilano explained that this region is known for its seismic activity, having experienced a magnitude 6.6 earthquake in 2009 and a series of tremors in northern Lombok in 2018. Academic studies, including national seismic hazard maps, indicate that parts of the Flores back-arc thrust area still hold the potential for future earthquakes. "There are still parts that have not produced an earthquake. We do not hope that happens," Meilano stated, emphasizing the need for continued monitoring.

The earthquake caused damage to structures, including buildings at the El Say Port in Sikka Regency. The warning about potential aftershocks underscores the ongoing seismic risk in the region, urging preparedness and vigilance among the affected population.

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There are still parts that have not produced an earthquake. We do not hope that happens.