The 7.7-magnitude earthquake off Flores Island killed at least 68 people, injured hundreds and displaced thousands as rescue teams searched collapsed buildings. Centered about 42 miles northwest of Ende at a depth near 6 miles, the quake exposed roughly 2 million people to strong shaking and triggered hundreds of aftershocks and small tsunamis at multiple coastal locations. Authorities declared a 14-day state of emergency, deployed more than 1,800 personnel and set up two field hospitals while aid groups solicit donations for urgent needs.
7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Devastates Flores Island — At Least 68 Dead, Thousands Displaced
A child walks alongside a road cracked by the earthquake near Marapokot Harbor, Marapokot Village, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, on August 16, 2026. —Ignasius Kunda—Anadolu/Getty Images
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island on Saturday, becoming the deadliest quake to hit Indonesia since 2022. Rescue teams continued searching through collapsed buildings on Monday, with the confirmed death toll at least 68 people; hundreds more are injured and thousands have been displaced by extensive infrastructure damage.
What Happened
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the quake occurred at about 6 a.m. local time, centered roughly 42 miles (68 kilometers) northwest of the coastal town of Ende at a depth near 6 miles (10 kilometers). Hundreds of aftershocks followed the main tremor, and USGS estimated roughly 2 million people experienced "strong" to "violent" shaking.
Search and rescue operations continue in East Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on Monday, three days after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the region on August 15th. —Basarnas/Handout/Anadolu/Getty Images
Damage And Immediate Response
Authorities in East Nusa Tenggara province reported widespread destruction: more than 4,500 homes were damaged, along with 122 health facilities, 252 schools and 84 places of worship, according to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). Small tsunamis were recorded in 16 locations across four provinces — East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi — causing localized coastal damage before warnings were lifted.
The provincial governor declared a 14-day state of emergency. The national government deployed more than 1,800 military and police personnel to distribute humanitarian supplies by aircraft and sea vessels, moving over 100 metric tons of aid into the region. Two emergency field hospitals were set up in Ruteng to treat the injured, and BNPB reported 5,400 food packages had been distributed along with medicine and clothing.
Earthquake victims in evacuation tents are lacking food, drinking water, blankets, bedding, and medicine following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia on August 16, 2026. —Ignasius Kunda—Anadolu/Getty Images
Human Impact
Thousands of residents remained displaced, many sleeping under tarpaulins and in temporary shelters, urgently needing food, clean water, medical care, blankets and bedding. On the small island of Palue — close to the quake's epicenter — more than 150 homes were destroyed and at least one person was reported killed. Landslides and blocked roads have hampered access to some affected communities.
Scenes From The Ground
Video footage from the affected areas shows buildings collapsing and rescuers digging through rubble to find survivors. Survivors described chaotic scenes as families fled collapsing homes. President Prabowo Subianto observed a moment of silence for the victims during the country's Independence Day ceremony.
An employees clears debris from a damaged bank building following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Ruteng, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara on August 16, 2026. —Juni Kriswanto—AFP/Getty Images
How To Help
Several international and local organizations are accepting donations to support relief efforts: UNICEF has opened a fund for children and mothers; World Central Kitchen is providing meals; GlobalGiving is collecting funds for food, water, shelter and health services; and World Vision is distributing shelter kits and other relief items. Donors should confirm charity details on official organization pages before contributing.
What To Watch For
Officials warn that aftershocks and secondary hazards — including landslides, damaged roads and coastal surges — can complicate search-and-rescue and relief operations. Authorities continue search efforts, account for the missing, and prioritize medical care and shelter for displaced communities.
Note: All figures and statements are based on official reports from BNPB, BMKG, the U.S. Geological Survey and on-the-ground news reporting as of the latest update.
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