A powerful earthquake and hundreds of aftershocks have killed 51 people and displaced thousands on the island of Flores, causing widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Flores shortly before 05:00 local time on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The shallow tremor, which occurred 15km below the surface, has resulted in at least 51 confirmed fatalities and the displacement of approximately 5,000 residents. Authorities report that the disaster has been followed by 341 aftershocks, complicating rescue efforts in the remote, mountainous region.

Casualties and Displacement

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that fatalities were recorded across several provinces, including 24 in Manggarai, 17 in East Manggarai, three in Sikka, and at least one each in Ngada, Ende, and West Manggarai. According to Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus, 36 people sustained serious injuries, while 77 others suffered minor injuries. Thousands have been forced to evacuate, with over 3,300 people displaced in Sikka alone and more than 2,000 in Manggarai.

Infrastructure and Emergency Response

The earthquake caused severe damage to more than 1,300 homes, as well as numerous schools, government offices, and healthcare facilities. The Ruteng Regional Hospital in Manggarai suffered significant structural damage, with collapsed ceilings forcing medical staff to treat patients in tents. Power outages have rendered 20 petrol stations inoperable, and landslides have blocked critical access roads, hindering the delivery of aid. In response, the government has deployed over 3,500 military and police personnel to the region to assist with search and rescue operations and the distribution of emergency supplies.