Shallow M5.8 earthquake hits near Ruteng, Indonesia on August 19, 2026 (Updated)

A shallow M5.8 earthquake was recorded at 22:45 UTC on August 19, 2026, approximately 25 km (16 miles) north-northeast of Ruteng, Indonesia. The earthquake struck at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), based on data from the USGS.

The coordinates for the event are 120.5°E, 8.4°S, placing the quake inland in the central part of Flores Island, within the province of East Nusa Tenggara. Ruteng, as a regional center, serves a significant local population.

Given Ruteng’s status as a district capital on Flores Island, critical infrastructure in the area likely includes regional roads, local airports, and utility networks supporting transportation, communication, and daily activities.

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. Five felt reports were submitted, and the maximum estimated intensity reached VII. The significance index is 520 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Indonesia is part of the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, where the Indo-Australian Plate converges with the Eurasian Plate. The region frequently experiences earthquakes due to complex tectonic interactions.

This information was last updated at 00:03 UTC on August 20, 2026.