Indonesia earthquake kills 38 as 7.7 quake strikes Flores region
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, killing at least 38 people, damaging homes and buildings and prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning.
The earthquake struck at about 5:58 a.m. local time near the northern coast of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province. The U.S. Geological Survey said the epicentre was about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende and around 10 kilometres deep, making it a relatively shallow earthquake with strong surface effects.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude undersea earthquake struck off the northern coast of Indonesia's Flores Island, triggering tsunami warnings across several coastal provinces. Indonesian meteorological agencies urged residents in impacted areas to evacuate immediately to higher ground and… pic.twitter.com/lcbLMBfpfy
— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) August 15, 2026
The initial tremor was followed by several aftershocks, including one measured at magnitude 6.1. Total amount of aftershocks currently stands at 18, with the weakest measuring 4.5 magnitude. Strong shaking was reported across parts of East and West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi, sending residents into the streets and prompting evacuations in coastal communities.
Deaths and damage reported across Flores
At least 38 people have died, according to Indonesian authorities. The deaths were reported in Sikka and Manggarai regencies, while several other people were injured. One of those injured was a priest at a local seminary who was hurt after jumping from a building during the earthquake.
Buildings and homes were damaged or collapsed in several areas. Authorities also reported damage to government facilities and other infrastructure. In Maumere, hospitals moved patients outside as a precaution and established temporary treatment areas while emergency teams assessed the situation.
Power outages and communication disruptions were reported in affected areas, complicating the initial emergency response. At least one landslide was also reported following the earthquake.
The extent of the damage remains under assessment as emergency crews inspect communities across Flores and neighbouring areas. Officials have warned residents to remain alert because further aftershocks are possible.
Indonesia faces frequent earthquake risk
Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet, making the country particularly vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.
The latest earthquake struck one of the country’s seismically active regions, where communities have experienced major earthquakes and tsunamis in previous decades. Authorities are continuing to assess the impact of Saturday’s quake while emergency services respond to affected communities.
The death toll and damage figures could change as search and rescue teams reach more remote areas and authorities receive reports from local governments.
