Ngada fishers cautiously return to sea after Flores M7.7 quake

Jakarta — — Fishers in parts of Ngada regency, East Nusa Tenggara, are gradually returning to sea in the weeks after the 7.7-magnitude Flores earthquake on Saturday, 15 August 2026, as aftershock activity declines and the tsunami warning has been lifted, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

BNPB has reported that coastal communities in areas such as Riung in Ngada were among those affected by the strong shaking and the temporary tsunami alert following the offshore quake in the Flores region. The agency said residents, including fishers, began cautiously resuming daily activities as official monitoring showed no continuing tsunami threat and as aftershocks became less intense.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded the main earthquake at magnitude 7.7 in the Flores region at around 04:58 local time on 15 August, with a shallow depth of about 15 km and an epicenter off the northern coast of East Nusa Tenggara. BMKG issued an early tsunami warning shortly after the quake but later declared the warning over, stating that subsequent monitoring did not indicate a major tsunami threat.

Fishing activity resumes gradually

BNPB has described a phased return of economic activity in coastal communities as part of broader recovery efforts after the disaster. Local residents in affected districts, including fishers, have been advised to restart marine and coastal livelihoods step by step while continuing to pay close attention to official information on weather, sea conditions and seismic activity from BMKG and local authorities.

The agency has emphasized that safety remains the main consideration for returning to sea, urging communities to remain alert despite the end of the tsunami warning. BNPB noted that, as aftershocks became weaker, more residents felt able to return to their homes and to resume work, including fishing.

BMKG has reported that aftershocks following the Flores earthquake entered a significant decay phase about a month after the main shock, with thousands of tremors recorded but a much smaller number felt by residents. This decline in felt aftershocks has supported the gradual resumption of economic activities across affected parts of Flores, according to the agency.

Community-based recovery efforts

BNPB has stated that its recovery focus in East Nusa Tenggara includes not only repairing damaged houses and infrastructure but also restoring daily life and rebuilding community confidence after the quake. The agency has encouraged cooperation between local government, religious leaders and community figures to support communication and preparedness.

Religious leaders and community representatives have been identified as important partners because of their close relationships with residents, especially in rural and coastal districts. BNPB has asked them to help convey clear information about risks and safety measures so that people can remain prepared without living in prolonged fear.

BNPB data cited by national and international media indicate that the 7.7-magnitude earthquake and its aftershocks caused casualties and significant damage across Flores Island, displacing thousands of residents and damaging homes and public facilities. As emergency operations continue, authorities have highlighted the need to balance swift economic recovery, including the return of fishers to sea, with ongoing vigilance against natural hazards.

Timeline

The main Flores earthquake struck early on Saturday, 15 August 2026, off the north coast of Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara. BMKG issued a tsunami early warning shortly after the quake, which was lifted later the same day when monitoring no longer indicated a significant tsunami threat.

In the following weeks, authorities reported dozens of aftershocks and continued assessments of damage and displacement across several regencies on Flores. By mid-September, BMKG reported that aftershock activity had substantially declined, supporting the gradual restoration of social and economic life, including coastal and marine livelihoods, in affected areas.

Sources

• Wikipedia – 2026 Flores earthquake
• Reuters – At least 47 dead in eastern Indonesia after magnitude 7.7 quake
• BBC – Indonesia lifts tsunami warning after magnitude 7.7 quake
• Observer Indonesia – Flores Aftershocks Subside, BMKG Unveils Field Survey to Guide Recovery
• The Daily Star – Nearly 13000 displaced after deadly Indonesian quake