Flores earthquake triggers frequent aftershocks and increased security patrols

Following a major earthquake on Flores Island, Nusa Tenggara Timur, residents in Manggarai Regency continue to experience frequent aftershocks. On Monday, August 17, 2026, a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck near Ruteng at approximately 00:26 WIB. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported the quake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers, approximately 75 kilometers northeast of Ruteng, and confirmed it posed no tsunami threat.

In response to the disaster, the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police (Polda NTT) have increased security measures to prevent looting and theft in abandoned residential areas. Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko stated that officers are conducting patrols through settlements to protect the assets of displaced residents and maintain public order during the emergency response period.