Indonesia Rocked By 7.7 Quake: At Least 38 Killed, Thousands Evacuate

INDONESIA: A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island in eastern Indonesia early Saturday, Aug 15, 2026 at around 4:58 a.m. local time. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre initially recorded it as 7.6, while USGS reported 7.7

Impact & Casualties:

Death toll: At least 38 people killed and 13 injured. Another report said 20 dead in Maumere, Sikka Regency.

Evacuations: Approx 2,000 residents evacuated in Nagekeo.

Damage: Houses, warehouses, government facilities, and parts of Laurensius Say Port in Maumere collapsed. Landslides blocked roads to Nagekeo, the area closest to the epicenter. 

Tsunami Warning:

Indonesia’s BMKG issued tsunami warnings after the quake. Tsunami waves less than 1 meter were recorded in several areas. The warning was lifted about 3 hours later.

Aftershocks:

Several aftershocks ranging from 5.5 to 6.2 magnitude occurred. USGS recorded three aftershocks of 5.9, 5.6 and 6.1. A separate 6.9-magnitude quake also hit western Sumatra hours later. 

Context:

Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and is one of the most seismically active countries. The BNPB has deployed emergency response teams for rapid assessment and relief. 

Authorities are urging people to stay away from damaged buildings and follow updates from BMKG Indonesia and BNPB.