BALINEWSID.COM, JAKARTA — A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Saturday (August 15, 2026) at 4:58:24 a.m. local time. The earthquake was centered offshore at a depth of 15 kilometers, approximately 38 kilometers northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo.

The strong tremor was felt across several parts of East Nusa Tenggara and as far as South Sulawesi. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), together with regional disaster management agencies (BPBDs) in affected areas, is continuing to monitor the situation and assess the impact of the earthquake.

A preliminary report from the Sikka Military District Command (Kodim Sikka) said the earthquake affected the El Say Port area in Sikka Regency. Two people were reported dead and one person injured.

The two fatalities were identified as one man and one woman. Authorities are still verifying the victims’ identities and collecting further information at the scene.

Joint teams from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) are carrying out evacuation efforts at the affected location. BNPB and the Sikka BPBD are coordinating with relevant agencies to assist the victims and ensure the safety of residents.

In Nagekeo, the earthquake was felt very strongly for approximately one minute, prompting many residents to rush out of their homes. Following an early tsunami warning, the Nagekeo BPBD coordinated with relevant authorities and evacuated residents living in coastal areas as a precautionary measure.

Similar conditions were reported in Sikka and West Manggarai regencies, where residents also experienced strong shaking lasting approximately one minute. Authorities in both areas coordinated emergency response measures and directed people in coastal areas to evacuate.

The earthquake was also felt in Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara, as well as several areas in South Sulawesi, including Jeneponto, Selayar Islands and Maros regencies. Residents in some of these areas also rushed outside their homes after feeling the strong tremor.

Several aftershocks were recorded following the main earthquake. A magnitude 6.2 aftershock occurred at 5:13:53 a.m., followed by another magnitude 6.2 quake at 5:28:40 a.m. and a magnitude 5.6 quake at 5:37:19 a.m. Other aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.5 quake, were also recorded. Based on preliminary information, the aftershocks did not pose a tsunami threat.

BNPB is continuing to update information on the earthquake’s impact, including casualties, injuries, damaged buildings and other effects. The figures remain provisional and may change as field teams complete verification and data collection.

BNPB urged residents, particularly those in coastal areas, to remain calm and follow official instructions from local authorities and information issued by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG).

Residents were also advised to stay away from buildings that have been damaged or developed cracks, as they could pose a safety risk.

Authorities urged the public not to spread unverified information. Updates on the earthquake and any potential tsunami threat should be obtained through official channels of BMKG, BNPB, BPBD, local governments and the TNI-Polri.

BNPB, BPBDs, Basarnas, the TNI, Polri and other relevant agencies continue to monitor the situation, evacuate residents and provide assistance to those affected.

The casualty and damage figures remain provisional and will be updated as authorities verify information from the field.