Indonesia Earthquake: 7.7-Magnitude Quake Kills 20 in East Nusa Tenggara, Tsunami Warning Issued
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, killing at least 20 people, injuring several others, and causing widespread structural damage across East Nusa Tenggara province.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, killing at least 20 people, injuring several others, and causing widespread structural damage across East Nusa Tenggara province. The shallow quake hit at a depth of 10 kilometers, triggering a temporary tsunami warning that sent thousands of coastal residents fleeing to higher ground before local authorities later lifted the alert.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the epicentre was located in the Flores Sea, roughly 68 kilometers northwest of the town of Ende. The main shock struck early in the morning and was followed by dozens of strong aftershocks-some exceeding magnitude 6.0-causing continued panic across the region. Indonesia Earthquake: Small Tsunami Hits Bonea and Jampea After 7.7 Magnitude Quake Near Flores; Videos Surface.
Search and rescue official Fathur Rahman reported that at least 20 people have been confirmed dead, with several victims trapped under collapsed structures in East Manggarai and nearby regencies. Emergency response teams are continuing to navigate landslides and blocked roads to reach isolated rural communities.
Damage reports indicate severe impacts to residential homes, campus buildings, and transport infrastructure. In Ruteng, the ceiling of Frans Sales Lega Airport partially collapsed, while a passenger terminal in Maumere suffered major structural failure.
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) noted small tsunami waves of up to nearly one meter near Ende before canceling the threat. However, officials are urging residents to avoid damaged buildings due to the high risk of further collapses from ongoing aftershocks.
Indonesia sits directly along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of intense tectonic activity spanning the Pacific Basin. The archipelago frequently experiences earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to the collision of major continental plates.
Flores Island itself has a history of devastating seismic events. In December 1992, a 7.8-magnitude quake off the northern coast generated a destructive tsunami that claimed over 2,000 lives, explaining why coastal communities were quick to evacuate when the sea initially retreated today.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 15, 2026 10:38 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
