6.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Indonesia's Sumba Island, Damages Homes
A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck Southwest Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday morning, causing structural damage to homes, schools, and churches.
TAMBOLAKA, Indonesia — A magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck the Southwest Sumba regency in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province on Sunday morning, Oct. 4, 2026, damaging dozens of homes, schools, and houses of worship. The tremor, which occurred at 6:55 a.m. local time (WIB), forced residents to scramble from their homes in a state of panic as the ground shook violently.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) localized the epicenter at 9.70 degrees South Latitude and 118.92 degrees East Longitude, approximately 14 kilometers southwest of Kodi. The earthquake originated at a depth of 30 kilometers. While the intensity was high, the agency confirmed there was no risk of a tsunami.
Extent of Structural Damage
The impact of the quake was concentrated in the Southwest Sumba region, particularly affecting the villages of Waikadada, Weerena, Bondo Kodi, and Homba Karipit. Berton SP Panjaitan, Acting Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center at Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), stated that rapid assessment teams are currently updating the damage reports.
Official records indicate the following structural impacts from the tremor:
- Residential homes: 19 units sustained light damage, while 1 unit sustained moderate damage.
- Places of worship: 3 churches, including the Victory Billa Cenge Pentecostal Church, the Jata Ngedo Bila Cenge Pentecostal Church, and the Waitabula Cathedral, reported light damage.
- Education facilities: The SDK Manu Toghi school sustained light damage.
- Government/Military facilities: 3 residential units/barracks belonging to the local military command (Koramil) in West Sumba sustained light damage.
In addition to these structures, two KDKMP administrative buildings reported ceiling collapses and wall fissures.
Regional Impact and Casualties
The quake reached a Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) of VI in Southwest Sumba, a level at which buildings typically sustain light structural damage and heavy objects within homes are displaced. The tremors were felt as far as Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai, where local residents fled their homes in alarm.
"The shaking was very strong. I was feeding my child and immediately ran outside," said Karolina, a local resident in Labuan Bajo.
Authorities reported one individual suffered minor injuries after being struck by falling debris. The victim received immediate medical treatment and is currently recovering as an outpatient. "There have been no reports of fatalities or serious injuries," said Berton SP Panjaitan.
