Shallow M5.5 earthquake hits Flores, Indonesia

A shallow M5.5 earthquake was recorded at 08:03 UTC on August 31, 2026, approximately 44 km (27 miles) north-northeast of Ruteng, Indonesia. The quake occurred at a depth of 10.0 km (6.2 miles), according to reviewed USGS data.

The epicenter was located on Flores Island, at coordinates 120.6°E, 8.2°S, north of the town of Ruteng in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. This area is characterized by smaller towns and rural communities on the southern edge of Flores.

Given the regional geography, potential critical infrastructure in the zone could include regional roads, small ports, and local airstrips catering to inter-island transport. No indication of proximity to major national infrastructure was provided.

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 reached VI, and the significance index is 465 (on a scale that runs through 1 000), based on magnitude, felt reports, and estimated impact.

Indonesia lies within the highly active tectonic region of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where the Australian Plate subducts beneath the Eurasian Plate, leading to frequent and sometimes powerful earthquakes across the archipelago.

This information was last updated at 08:28 UTC on August 31, 2026.