Two dead in magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara

Jakarta, Indonesia – A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Nagekeo Regency in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday morning, August 15, 2026, resulting in two fatalities, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

The two victims, one male and one female, were identified in the El Say Harbor area of Sikka Regency. The earthquake, which occurred at 04:58 Western Indonesian Time (WIB), had a depth of 15 kilometers and its epicenter was located at sea, approximately 38 kilometers northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo.

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Based on preliminary reports, the earthquake event impacted the El Say Harbor area, Sikka Regency. The event resulted in two deaths, one male and one female, and one person injured.

The strong tremors, which lasted for about a minute, were felt across a wide area, including Nagekeo, Sikka, Manggarai Barat in NTT, Bima in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and parts of South Sulawesi, such as Jeneponto, Selayar Islands, and Maros.

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The tectonic earthquake had a depth of 15 kilometers and its epicenter was in the sea about 38 kilometers northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo.

In response to the potential for a tsunami, the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency) issued early warnings for several coastal areas in NTT, NTB, and South Sulawesi. Local disaster management agencies (BPBD), along with joint teams from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian military (TNI), and the police (Polri), directed evacuations in coastal zones and provided medical assistance to the injured.

Several aftershocks followed the main earthquake, including two with magnitudes of 6.2 at 05:13 WIB and 05:28 WIB. Although the tsunami threat was eventually lifted by the BMKG at 07:30 WIB, BNPB urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, advising them to check the structural integrity of their buildings and stay away from damaged structures. They were also instructed to follow evacuation orders from officials.

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Although the tsunami potential has ended, BNPB urges the public to remain calm and increase vigilance regarding building conditions and the possibility of aftershocks.