Magnitude 5.5 earthquake strikes Flores

A MODERATE magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck the Flores region of Indonesia at 6.45am on Thursday, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

The seismic event was recorded at a depth of 52 kilometres, with its epicentre situated at 8.2 degrees south and 120.6 degrees east. This places the origin of the tremor approximately 212 kilometres east of Bima, Indonesia.

Officials at MetMalaysia confirmed that the earthquake poses no tsunami threat to Malaysia.

This latest activity follows a sequence of seismic occurrences in the Flores region beginning on 15 August, which included a magnitude 5.6 earthquake on 16 August and multiple subsequent tremors on 17 August.

MetMalaysia stated that it continues to monitor seismic activity throughout the region and will issue further updates if necessary. - August 20, 2026