Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits Ruteng region, Indonesia on August 19, 2026

An earthquake of magnitude M5.5 was registered at 16:17 UTC on August 19, 2026, about 52 km (32 miles) north-northeast of Ruteng, Indonesia. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), based on information released by USGS.

The epicenter, located at 120.7°E and 8.2°S, places the event inland in the Ruteng region of Flores island, within the East Nusa Tenggara province. This area is characterized by a mix of rural settlements and small towns situated in a seismically active part of Indonesia.

Given its inland setting on Flores island, potential infrastructure near the earthquake zone may include local highways, regional airports, and utilities serving nearby populations.

There is no tsunami threat associated with this earthquake, based on its location and available data.

USGS issued a green alert for this event, indicating a low likelihood of casualties or damage. The maximum estimated intensity was VI, with a significance index of 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude and estimated impact.

The region is part of the seismically active Sunda Arc, an area shaped by the northward subduction of the Australian Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate, which routinely generates significant earthquakes across the Indonesian archipelago.

This information was last updated at 16:46 UTC on August 19, 2026.