BMKG reports M5.3 earthquake northwest of East Manggarai

Manggarai Timur — A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck East Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency, known as BMKG. The agency said the earthquake was 32 kilometres northwest of East Manggarai and that its tsunami modelling found no tsunami potential.

The earthquake was recorded at 8:41:37 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, or 9:41:37 a.m. BMKG’s report identified the event as a tectonic earthquake in Lamba Leda, East Manggarai.

Why the earthquake matters to travellers in Flores

The report is relevant to visitors and foreign residents in Flores and the wider eastern Indonesia region because the earthquake was felt in parts of the island, including Manggarai, Bajawa and Labuan Bajo. The no-tsunami assessment applies to this earthquake; the BMKG report does not state that Bali was affected.

Reports citing BMKG described the earthquake as occurring on land. One report said the strongest shaking reached intensity III–IV on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale in Manggarai, Bajawa and Labuan Bajo. The scale describes observed shaking and effects rather than the earthquake’s magnitude.

BMKG’s bulletin listed the initial magnitude as 5.3 and stated that an updated analysis measured the event at M5.1. It placed the epicentre at 8.37 degrees south latitude and 120.58 degrees east longitude, or 29 kilometres northeast of Ruteng. The bulletin attributed the earthquake to tectonic activity associated with the Flores Back-arc Thrust.

Separate reports said there were no immediate reports of deaths or injuries. BMKG also said its tsunami modelling showed that the earthquake did not have tsunami potential.

Sources

• BMKG — Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency
• Metro TV — Indonesian news outlet
• ntt.viva.co.id
• detik.com
• kupang.tribunnews.com