BMKG Deploys Survey Team After M7.7 Flores Quake, Verifies Tsunami Impact
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has deployed a joint survey team to the Flores region of East Nusa Tenggara following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake, conducting macroseismic surveys, ground response testing, and on-site tsunami impact verification. As of midday on August 17, 1,624 aftershocks had been recorded. While the epicenter is not in Bali, the findings and ongoing monitoring are relevant to disaster preparedness across the wider region.
Indonesia's BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency) has dispatched a joint team from its central office and regional units to Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake. The survey covers macroseismic assessment of damage, ground response testing using microtremor and Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) methods, aftershock monitoring, and field verification of tsunami impact.
According to BMKG's Director for Earthquake and Tsunami, Wijayanto, the technical mapping data will form the basis for micro-zonation disaster maps and serve as the foundation for recommendations on earthquake-resistant reconstruction and urban planning for local governments and communities. The survey prioritizes areas with moderate to severe damage in West Manggarai, Manggarai, East Manggarai, and Sikka regencies, comparing them with less-affected areas.
As of 11:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time on Monday, August 17, BMKG recorded 1,624 aftershocks since the main quake, including 23 events above magnitude 5.0 and 59 felt by residents.
While the epicenter is on Flores Island, some distance from Bali, the ongoing tsunami impact verification and continuing aftershocks make this relevant for travelers heading to eastern Indonesia and residents monitoring regional seismic activity. Wijayanto urged residents in and around Flores to remain calm, avoid entering cracked or damaged buildings, and follow official BMKG channels for the latest disaster updates.
Things to Consider
If you plan to travel to Flores or the wider East Nusa Tenggara region, check BMKG's official website or app for the latest aftershock and tsunami updates before and during your trip. Avoid entering cracked or visibly damaged buildings in affected areas. Residents in Bali should also install an official earthquake/tsunami alert app and keep a basic emergency kit ready (water, flashlight, copies of important documents). Rely on official BMKG announcements rather than unverified social media reports for disaster information.
Source: ANTARA News Bali