New Delhi, August 15, 2026

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, killing at least 38 people and injuring more than 12 others. Several homes and buildings collapsed in the quake, prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning and advise people in coastal areas to move to higher ground. The warning was later withdrawn after Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency reported no significant sea-level changes that could threaten coastal areas.

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake occurred at 5:58 am local time at a depth of 10 kilometres, with its epicentre about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende city in East Nusa Tenggara province. Several aftershocks followed the main tremor. National Disaster Management Agency chief Suharyanto said rescuers had recovered 38 bodies, mostly from Sikka, Manggarai and East Manggarai. Sixteen bodies were recovered from landslide debris in Reok village, while 13 critically injured people were admitted to hospitals. Around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo Regency have moved to temporary shelters.

East Nusa Tenggara police chief Rudy Darmoko said the earthquake caused extensive damage and brought down several buildings. Power cuts and disrupted communication services have complicated rescue efforts and the collection of information. He said, ‘‘We are still collecting information on the damage and casualties, but communication services are disrupted.’’ Landslides have also blocked the ‘Trans-Flores’ highway in Ende Regency. Hospitals evacuated patients as a precaution, while medical teams set up temporary treatment areas outside. Sikka resident Yohana Embu said, ‘‘Several buildings here have been damaged… I saw the waiting room at Maumere port terminal collapse.’’ At St Peter Major Seminary, rector priest Gidelbertus Tanga said, ‘‘Our students and nuns ran outside in panic when the roof fell. At least one priest broke his leg after jumping from the second floor of a building during the earthquake.’’

The disaster once again underlines Indonesia’s exposure to powerful earthquakes and volcanic activity because of its location along the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’. Flores has experienced a major earthquake disaster before; a magnitude-7 earthquake in December 1992 triggered a tsunami that killed around 2,500 people on the island. With rescue operations continuing, authorities are working to assess the overall damage, locate those affected and provide shelter and medical assistance to displaced residents.