Indonesia Hit by Powerful 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake; Tsunami Warning Issued
Strong earthquake strikes the Flores region of eastern Indonesia; authorities initially order coastal evacuations as aftershocks follow.
JAKARTA, August 15, 2026: A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara region near Flores Island early Saturday, triggering a tsunami warning and prompting authorities to advise residents in coastal areas to move to safer locations.
WHAT HAPPENED
The earthquake struck at a shallow depth of roughly 10–15 kilometres, with the epicentre located near the Flores region, around 68 km from Ende.
The powerful tremor was followed by several aftershocks, including a 6.1-magnitude tremor reported in the same region.
TSUNAMI WARNING
Following the earthquake, Indonesian authorities issued a tsunami warning and urged people living along vulnerable coastal areas to move inland or to higher ground.
The warning was later lifted after authorities found no significant continuing sea-level threat. BMKG said it would continue monitoring sea levels and aftershocks.
CASUALTIES AND DAMAGE
The initial report supplied for this story said there was no information on casualties or property damage.
However, later reports have confirmed deaths and significant damage. Rescue teams reported collapsed buildings, landslides and damaged infrastructure in parts of East Nusa Tenggara. Casualty figures have continued to change as rescue operations progress.
AFTERSHOCKS
Authorities continue to monitor the region for aftershocks following the major earthquake.
BMKG linked the earthquake to the Flores back-arc thrust fault, noting that the fault is capable of producing earthquakes of similar strength.
KEY POINTS
Magnitude: 7.7
Region: Flores / East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Depth: approximately 10–15 km
Tsunami warning: issued initially and later lifted
Aftershocks: several reported, including a strong tremor
Coastal residents were advised to move to safer, higher ground.
Rescue and damage-assessment operations are continuing.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Indonesian authorities are continuing search-and-rescue operations, damage assessments and aftershock monitoring. Residents in affected coastal areas are being urged to follow official instructions and remain alert to further warnings.