Indonesia Earthquake: 7.7-Magnitude Quake Kills 47, Rescue Operations Underway in Flores

August 15, 2026

Jakarta, Indonesia: Death toll: At least 47 people have now been reported dead, up from the earlier figure of 38. Rescue teams are still searching affected areas, so the toll could rise.

At least five people were killed after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday, triggering dozens of aftershocks and tsunami waves of less than one metre, officials said.

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said the victims died after debris from collapsing structures fell on them while they were asleep. However, Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) initially reported one death and four injuries.

The earthquake struck at 4:58 a.m. local time at a depth of 15 kilometres, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). Several aftershocks followed the main tremor.

A tsunami warning issued after the quake was lifted around three hours later after waves measuring less than one metre were recorded in several areas.

Strong tremors were felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and parts of South Sulawesi, prompting residents to rush out of their homes. Around 2,000 people in Nagekeo evacuated to safer locations.

Videos from Maumere on Flores Island showed parts of buildings collapsing as frightened residents ran through the streets. Damage was also reported to houses, warehouses and government buildings, while some areas faced power outages and traffic disruptions.

Authorities also moved hospital patients outdoors in Ende, while at least one landslide was reported.

Indonesia, located along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic activity. Australia’s tsunami warning centre said the earthquake posed no tsunami threat to the Australian mainland, islands or territories.