Earthquake in Indonesia: Quake of Magnitude 7.7 Strikes East Nusa Tenggara Province; Tsunami Warning Issued (Videos)

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia early Saturday, August 15, with the shallow tremor centred near Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province. The earthquake triggered a tsunami warning, prompting residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground. Authorities later detected tsunami waves of less than one metre in several locations, while no immediate casualties were reported, according to a report.

Strong Earthquake Hits Flores Region

According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake struck at 5:58 a.m. local time at a depth of about 10 kilometres. Its epicentre was located 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara. Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) initially recorded the quake at a depth of 15 kilometres. Earthquake in Indonesia: 5.9 Magnitude Quake Jolts Nias Area Off Sumatra.

Strong 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Eastern Indonesia

The strong shaking was felt across Flores and surrounding areas. Residents rushed out of homes and other buildings as the tremor continued, with reports that the shaking lasted for around a minute in parts of the region. The main earthquake was followed by several aftershocks. The Guardian reported two notable aftershocks, including one measuring magnitude 6.1.

Tsunami Warning Issued

Following the earthquake, BMKG issued a tsunami warning and advised people to stay away from beaches and riverbanks. The warning covered parts of East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara. BMKG said modelling indicated the earthquake had the potential to generate tsunami waves ranging from 0.5 metres to 3 metres in affected areas.

Residents in Maumere and other coastal communities began moving towards higher ground. Authorities also monitored coastal tide gauges for changes following the undersea earthquake. Earthquake in Indonesia: Powerful 7.4-Magnitude Offshore Quake Triggers Tsunami Warning, USGS Issues Alert.

Tsunami waves measuring between 19 and 30 centimetres were subsequently detected, according to the latest information cited by The Guardian. DD News, citing Reuters, reported that waves of less than one metre were recorded in several areas. Australia's tsunami warning centre said the earthquake posed no tsunami threat to mainland Australia, its islands or territories.

Damage Reported in Some Areas

While there were no immediate reports of fatalities, the earthquake caused damage to buildings in parts of Flores. A video verified by Reuters showed part of a building at the port in Maumere collapsing as people ran from the area. A hospital in Ende also moved patients outside following the strong shaking.

The Guardian reported that walls were cracked at a hospital, according to a local hospital worker who described the shaking as intense. Images from the region also showed damaged buildings and homes in East Nusa Tenggara. Authorities were continuing to assess the extent of the damage and monitor aftershocks as residents remained alert to further seismic activity.

Indonesia's Earthquake Risk

Indonesia is highly vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanic activity because it sits along the Pacific "Ring of Fire", a zone of active faults and volcanoes. Flores has experienced major earthquakes and tsunamis in the past. In December 1992, a magnitude 7 earthquake struck the region and generated a tsunami that killed about 2,500 people. The latest earthquake has therefore prompted heightened caution among authorities and coastal communities as monitoring continues.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2026 07:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).