A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara early Saturday, killing at least 51 people and displacing about 5,000. The quake — followed by roughly 341 aftershocks — damaged hundreds of homes, blocked roads with landslides and left some areas inaccessible to rescuers. More than 3,500 military and police personnel have been deployed, and officials are considering a state of emergency while a tsunami warning has been lifted.
Magnitude 7.7 Quake Devastates Flores Island: At Least 51 Dead, Thousands Displaced
Earthquake victims are treated in a temporary medical tent due to fears of aftershocks, in front of the Ruteng hospital in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara on August 15, 2026 [Juni Kriswanto/AFP]
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia early on Saturday, killing at least 51 people and forcing roughly 5,000 residents to evacuate as rescue teams work to clear roads blocked by landslides and reach survivors trapped under rubble.
What Happened
The US Geological Survey said the quake struck at 05:58 local time (21:58 GMT Friday) with an epicentre about 68 km (42 miles) north-northwest of Ende on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara province, and an estimated depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). Authorities reported the main shock was followed by about 341 aftershocks.
Casualties and Damage
Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus told a televised meeting that 51 people have died, 36 were seriously injured, and a further 77 sustained minor injuries. Local officials said at least 157 houses were destroyed, nearly 200 more were damaged, and overall more than 1,300 homes were affected.
In hard-hit Sikka regency more than 3,300 people fled or were left stranded and took shelter in a sports arena, according to Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency (BNPB). Nagekeo regency, closest to the epicentre, saw about 2,000 villagers move to temporary shelters.
Rescue Efforts and Access Challenges
Rescue operations have been hampered by landslides that blocked roads and disrupted communications. Officials deployed more than 3,500 military and police personnel, and BNPB said three helicopters and a rescue vessel were supporting the response across the scattered islands and rugged terrain. Some areas remain inaccessible; a team was attempting to reach parts of Nagekeo by ferry.
"The quake was massive, the shock was so strong, we were resting at home with family," said Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura village. "There were 13 of us inside the house, and we all ran to save ourselves."
Services, Warnings and Historical Context
State energy firm Pertamina reported power outages have forced the closure of about 20 petrol stations. Officials said they are considering declaring a state of emergency for East Nusa Tenggara to unlock additional funding and resources. A tsunami warning issued immediately after the quake was later lifted.
Indonesia's geophysics agency noted the same stretch of coastline was struck by a similarly powerful earthquake in December 1992; that quake and the tsunami it triggered killed more than 2,500 people on Flores.
Ongoing Risks
Al Jazeera’s Jakarta reporter said aftershocks could continue for several days. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from shorelines and damaged buildings as the full scale of the damage continues to emerge and search teams focus on clearing landslides and reaching isolated communities.
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