Magnitude 4.7 quake off Ruteng felt across western Flores

Manggarai — A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck off the coast north of Ruteng in Manggarai on Friday night, 18 September 2026, and was felt across parts of western Flores. The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported no tsunami potential.

According to information relayed by BMKG and reported by local media, the quake occurred at around 19:20 Western Indonesian Time (WIB), or about 20:20 Central Indonesian Time (WITA), with an epicentre in the sea roughly 46 kilometres north of Ruteng in Manggarai Regency.

BMKG’s analysis, as cited by regional outlets, placed the earthquake at a shallow depth of about 8 kilometres. The agency indicated that the tremor was part of a sequence of aftershocks following a larger magnitude 7.7 event that struck Flores on 15 August 2026.

Local news reports from Manggarai described the shock as being felt with Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) levels around III–IV in parts of the regency. At these intensities, vibrations are strong enough to be noticed indoors and may cause light rattling of objects, but are generally not associated with structural damage.

Coverage from Ruteng noted that BMKG urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, advising people to avoid damaged buildings and to stay alert to further official updates. The agency emphasised that, despite the noticeable shaking, its modelling found no indication of tsunami generation from this event.

BMKG’s shakemap and impact assessment indicated that the tremor was felt across several districts in Manggarai and neighbouring areas. Communities in the upland hinterland west of Ruteng reported feeling the quake, but there were no immediate reports of serious damage or injuries in the available regional coverage.

The earthquake adds to a period of heightened seismic activity around Flores following the August mainshock. BMKG data cited by local media show thousands of aftershocks recorded in the region over a 30-day span, with only a small fraction strong enough to be felt by communities across Manggarai and western Flores.

Authorities and local observers continue to monitor seismic conditions around Flores. Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow BMKG guidance, be aware of emergency procedures, and rely on official channels and established news outlets for updates on earthquake activity affecting Manggarai, Manggarai Barat and nearby islands.

Sources

• Pos Kupang Tribunnews (Kupang Tribunnews)
• Katadata Databoks