BMKG logs 14,993 Flores aftershocks as NTT tourism reopens in stages

Labuan Bajo — Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has recorded 14,993 aftershocks in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, since the magnitude 7.7 earthquake of 15 August, underscoring the need for travellers to confirm local conditions before moving between tourism areas.

BMKG’s updated statistics, circulated on 12 September, reported that the aftershock sequence up to 17:00 WIB that day totalled 14,993 events. According to a BMKG summary quoted by national media, the largest aftershock reached magnitude 6.2 and the smallest 0.9.

BMKG further reported that 38 of the recorded aftershocks had magnitudes above 5.0, and 187 were strong enough to be felt by residents in Flores and surrounding districts. A subsequent BMKG communication cited by Republika noted that the most recent event in the series at the time of publication was a magnitude 2.0 tectonic earthquake recorded in Nagekeo at 01:21 WIB, with its epicentre offshore.

Seismic activity after the main earthquake

BMKG data show that the main earthquake struck northern Flores at magnitude 7.7 on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at 04:58 WIB, with a shallow offshore epicentre that triggered a tsunami warning and caused damage across several districts. In the days after the main shock, BMKG issued multiple updates on the escalating aftershock count, rising from 1,624 on 17 August to 2,119 on 18 August and 2,768 on 19 August.

By 30 days after the main earthquake, BMKG reported 15,722 aftershocks between magnitudes 0.9 and 6.2, with 190 events felt by residents. Another national outlet, citing BMKG data for 13 September at 05:00 WIB, reported a higher cumulative figure of 15,156 aftershocks. The differing totals reflect BMKG’s ongoing daily updates as the sequence continues.

BMKG has deployed survey teams to affected areas in Flores to verify field conditions and support science-based recovery planning, emphasising that the aftershock series remains active and that residents and local authorities should continue to monitor official advisories.

Tourism openings and closures in NTT

Tourism reopening across East Nusa Tenggara has proceeded unevenly as authorities assess damage and infrastructure after the earthquake and tsunami. In a report dated 30 August, public broadcaster RRI, citing information from the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry and local managers, listed several destinations that had reopened to visitors.

The reopened sites included Kelimutu National Park in Ende, Padar Island, Loh Liang on Komodo Island, Loh Buaya on Rinca Island, Gili Lawa, Kelor Island, Todo traditional village and the Batu Cermin cave near Labuan Bajo. RRI reported that tourism around Labuan Bajo and parts of Komodo National Park was gradually returning to normal after temporary closures and inspections.

At the same time, RRI noted that several popular sites remained temporarily closed pending further checks. These included the Wae Rebo tourism village and Ruteng Pu’u in Manggarai, as well as the Gugus Pulau Teluk Maumere Marine Tourism Nature Park (TWAL) in Sikka. The outlet also reported that some tourism areas in Ngada and Nagekeo required particular attention, reflecting concerns about access, communications and electricity.

RRI’s account did not provide a comprehensive island-wide transport status, and it did not confirm that all roads, ports and boat routes serving reopened destinations were operating normally. It emphasised that reopening decisions were based on ongoing field assessments by the Tourism Ministry and local authorities, and that conditions could change as inspections progressed.

Advice for travellers

Given BMKG’s confirmation of thousands of aftershocks in Flores since mid-August and the staged reopening of tourism sites in East Nusa Tenggara, visitors are advised to verify the latest local information before travelling between destinations.

Travellers should check directly with park authorities, village tourism managers, tour operators or accommodation providers for up-to-date details on opening hours, access routes and any remaining restrictions. According to the Tourism Ministry’s guidance cited by RRI, visitor information should be based on current field data that can be rapidly updated as inspections and repairs proceed.

International and domestic visitors planning trips to Labuan Bajo, Komodo National Park, Flores and nearby islands are encouraged to monitor official bulletins from BMKG and relevant government agencies, and to follow any safety instructions issued by local authorities while the aftershock sequence continues.

Sources

• Republika.co.id – BMKG Catat 14.993 Gempa Susulan Guncang Flores Pasca Gempa Utama M 7.7
• Tribun Manado – Info BMKG: Update Data Gempa Bumi Susulan Pasca M 7.7 di NTT, Sabtu 12 September 2026
• BMKG – Gempa Flores Meluruh, BMKG Ungkap Hasil Survei Lapangan sebagai Basis Mitigasi dan Rekonstruksi
• RMOL – Gempa M 7,7 Guncang Flores, BMKG Keluarkan Peringatan Dini Tsunami
• Okezone – Hampir Sebulan, Gempa Susulan Flores Capai 15.156 Kali
• RRI – Mau Liburan ke NTT? Ini Daftar Wisata yang Sudah Dibuka dan Masih Ditutup