A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Flores Island in Indonesia on August 15, 2026, causing strong tremors, damage to buildings and a temporary tsunami warning in several coastal areas. The earthquake occurred at around 5:58 AM local time and was reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres.
The epicentre was located about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende, making it a shallow offshore earthquake. Shallow earthquakes can cause stronger shaking because their energy reaches the Earth’s surface more quickly.
| Key Facts |
| • Magnitude: 7.7 • Date: 15 August 2026 • Location: Off the coast of Flores Island, eastern Indonesia • Epicentre: About 68 km north-northwest of Ende • Depth: Around 10 km • Tsunami Warning: Issued and later lifted • Tsunami Waves: Less than 1 metre recorded in monitored areas • Casualties: At least 5 deaths reported; figures may change as assessments continue • Damage: Buildings and homes damaged across parts of Flores Island, including Maumere • Aftershocks: Multiple aftershocks recorded, with the largest around magnitude 6.1 • Evacuations: Coastal residents were advised to move away from the shoreline • Affected Areas: Parts of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi • Current Situation: Authorities continued damage assessments and monitoring for further aftershocks. |
Tsunami Warning Issued
Following the earthquake, Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami warning for parts of East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara. People living near the coast were advised to move away from beaches and follow official safety instructions.
Tide gauges recorded sea-level changes, but the tsunami threat later decreased. Authorities subsequently lifted the warning after monitoring showed that there was no continuing major tsunami danger.
Deaths and Damage
The earthquake caused casualties and structural damage across parts of Flores Island. Reports included damage at the Pelni port terminal in Maumere, while some buildings and roofs were also damaged in Sikka.
Medical workers moved some patients, beds and equipment outdoors as a safety measure because of concerns about further shaking.
Aftershocks Reported
Several aftershocks were recorded after the main earthquake. The largest reported aftershock reached approximately magnitude 6.1.
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