Magnitude 5.3 Earthquake Shakes Indonesia's Kupang, Triggers Panic

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.3 shook the region of Kupang in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province on Sunday evening, July 26, 2026. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) initially reported the magnitude as 5.5 but later revised it down to 5.3.

The tremor occurred at 18:57 local time, with its epicenter located inland, approximately 18 kilometers northeast of Kupang. The earthquake had a shallow depth of 44 kilometers. According to the BMKG, the earthquake was a shallow one resulting from subduction activity, indicating its origin within the megathrust zone.

The shaking intensity was mapped at V MMI in areas like Sulamu and West Fatuleu in Kupang Regency, and East Kupang. At this intensity level, the vibrations were felt by most residents, causing objects to scatter and larger items to shake. Other areas, including Kupang City and Soe City, experienced shaking at IV MMI.

The earthquake triggered panic among residents. Witnesses reported that the shaking occurred twice, with the second tremor being stronger. Some individuals were seen fleeing a shopping center in Kupang due to the sudden and intense shaking.

As of Monday morning, July 27, 2026, BMKG confirmed that this was the most recent earthquake felt within the Indonesian region. No tsunami threat was issued.

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The quake happened twice. The first one felt gentle, but the second one was stronger.