Powerful Earthquake Kills Dozens, Hundreds Flee in Eastern Indonesia

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Flores Island in eastern Indonesia on Saturday, August 15, 2026, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 48 lives. The shallow quake, centered north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province, triggered panic among residents and led to thousands evacuating their homes.

Rescue efforts are currently underway, with teams sifting through collapsed buildings and debris in search of survivors. The earthquake flattened hundreds of houses and public facilities, while landslides, also triggered by the tremor, have complicated access to remote villages and hampered search and rescue operations.

Following the main quake, hundreds of aftershocks were recorded, and while an initial tsunami warning was lifted, some coastal areas experienced small tsunamis. Over 5,000 individuals have been displaced and are now in temporary shelters, with many awaiting essential aid like food, water, and medicine.