The magnitude-7.7 earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday has killed at least 51 people while search-and-rescue efforts continue. BNPB data show the deadliest Indonesian quakes of the last decade, led by the 2018 Palu disaster (4,141 deaths) and followed by Cianjur (602), Lombok (518), Mamuju–Majene (107) and Pidie Jaya (96). The list underscores how both offshore tsunamis and shallow inland quakes can cause catastrophic loss of life.
Magnitude 7.7 Quake Kills At Least 51 in Eastern Indonesia — A Look At The Deadliest Tremors Of The Last Decade
Destruction in the passenger port of Maumere, in the aftermath of an earthquake, in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, August 16, 2026. REUTERS/Edgar Su
An earthquake measuring magnitude 7.7 struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, killing at least 51 people as search-and-rescue teams continue operations across the affected area. Authorities and local emergency services are working to assess further damage and support displaced residents.
Deadliest Quakes Of The Past Decade (BNPB Data)
PALU, SIGI — 4,141 Deaths
Sept. 28, 2018: A magnitude-7.5 tremor off Sulawesi triggered a tsunami and widespread soil liquefaction that devastated Palu city and neighbouring districts in Donggala regency. The disaster claimed 4,141 lives, injured 4,438 people and left 705 missing. More than 110,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.
CIANJUR — 602 Deaths
Nov. 21, 2022: A shallow, inland magnitude-5.6 earthquake in West Java killed 602 people despite its moderate magnitude. It was the deadliest non-tsunami quake of the decade in Indonesia, injuring roughly 7,810 people and damaging more than 56,000 houses.
LOMBOK — 518 Deaths
Aug. 5, 2018: A magnitude-7.0 mainshock followed by powerful aftershocks struck Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara province, devastating large areas and killing at least 518 people. Extensive damage to homes and infrastructure left many communities vulnerable.
MAMUJU–MAJENE — 107 Deaths
Jan. 15, 2021: A magnitude-6.2 earthquake in West Sulawesi caused widespread building collapses, including government offices, homes and health facilities across Mamuju and Majene regencies, resulting in 107 fatalities and extensive structural damage.
PIDIE JAYA — 96 Deaths
Dec. 7, 2016: A shallow magnitude-6.5 quake struck Pidie Jaya in Aceh province before dawn, toppling buildings and trapping residents under rubble. Official records list 96 deaths and hundreds injured, marking one of Aceh's deadliest events since the 2004 tsunami.
Context
The decade’s list highlights two important dangers: large offshore earthquakes that produce tsunamis and widespread liquefaction, and shallower inland quakes that can cause catastrophic building collapses even at lower magnitudes. BNPB (Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency) provided the casualty and damage figures cited here.
Reporting by Dewi Kurniawati; Editing by William Mallard. BNPB figures referenced.
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