Powerful 7.7 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia, Killing 38

At least 38 people have died after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia on Saturday morning, the country’s disaster mitigation agency has said.

The death toll was expected to rise as search and rescue teams began operating, following reports of injuries and widespread damage in affected communities.

Quake Strikes Flores Early Saturday

The quake hit the island of Flores shortly before 05:00 local time, which was 22:00 GMT on Friday. Indonesia’s meteorology and geophysics agency said the earthquake had a depth of 15km.

Authorities said dozens of aftershocks followed the main event, with one tremor reaching magnitude 6.1 and being felt in the same area.

Port And Homes Hit As Shaking Continues

Reports from the region described damage to buildings and infrastructure as the shaking intensified and persisted. Video filmed at the port in Maumere showed sections of concrete breaking off the terminal building onto passengers waiting to board an inter-island ferry. Some people were seen in the water after the gangway to a ship collapsed.

East Nusa Tenggara provincial governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said victims were killed during the night as rubble fell on them.

In Talibura, a coastal village in Sikka regency, residents reported being woken by strong shaking and fleeing outdoors. Some people reportedly moved towards higher ground, while others also reacted after sea levels fell temporarily, prompting panic and an immediate scramble to evacuate.

Tsunami Warning Lifted After No Surge Detected

A tsunami warning was issued after the quake, but it was lifted about three hours later after monitoring found no significant rise in sea level.

The BNPB said around 2,000 people had evacuated or relocated on their own. It also advised people to remain calm and to avoid coastal areas and any structures showing signs of damage.

Deaths By Province And Preliminary Damage

The disaster agency recorded three fatalities in Sikka province, six in Manggarai province, and five in East Manggarai province. It also said at least two others were seriously injured and 11 sustained minor injuries.

In initial assessments, BNPB said 54 houses had been severely damaged, along with five healthcare facilities, three places of worship, six government buildings, an educational institution and a warehouse. Manggarai province was listed among the most affected areas.

Officials said the full extent of the damage would take time to establish, citing the remote and mountainous terrain of the region.

Indonesia sits along major tectonic plate boundaries and is frequently affected by earthquakes and volcanic activity.

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15 August 2026