Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Strikes off Flores, Indonesia; at Least Five Dead

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck offshore near Indonesia's Flores Island before dawn on Saturday, August 15, killing at least five people and damaging buildings across parts of East Nusa Tenggara, according to provincial officials.

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said five deaths had been reported after buildings collapsed. Indonesia's national disaster agency, BNPB, had separately confirmed a lower preliminary count of one death and four injuries. The difference reflects reports issued at different stages of the emergency response, and the totals may change as assessments continue.

Where the earthquake occurred

The U.S. Geological Survey located the epicenter about 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende. Monitoring agencies reported a shallow earthquake, with preliminary depth estimates ranging from about 10 to 15 kilometers. Differences between agencies are common while seismic data are being reviewed.

Strong shaking was reported across East Nusa Tenggara and was also felt in West Nusa Tenggara and parts of South Sulawesi. Residents in some areas described shaking that lasted close to a minute, while aftershocks continued after the main earthquake.

Damage and emergency response

Authorities reported damaged homes, warehouses and government facilities. Parts of buildings collapsed in Maumere, the main city of Sikka Regency, while power outages and communication problems complicated early damage assessments.

A hospital in Ende moved patients and equipment outdoors as a precaution. About 2,000 residents were reported to have evacuated in Nagekeo, and at least one landslide was reported. Emergency teams were inspecting structures and assisting affected communities.

Tsunami warning lifted

Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, BMKG, issued a tsunami warning after the earthquake and instructed residents in threatened coastal areas to move to higher ground. Small tsunami waves measuring less than one meter were observed in some locations.

BMKG later lifted the warning after roughly three hours. The cancellation means the warning was no longer active at that time; residents should nevertheless continue following local authorities because aftershocks, damaged structures and landslides can remain dangerous.

Why Indonesia experiences major earthquakes

Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet. The region experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, and shallow offshore earthquakes can be especially damaging when they occur near populated islands.

Public-safety guidance

People in affected areas should avoid visibly damaged buildings, expect aftershocks and follow instructions from BMKG, BNPB and local emergency officials. Coastal residents should immediately follow any renewed evacuation order rather than waiting for confirmation from social media.

This report was reviewed on August 15, 2026, local Indonesian time. Casualty and damage figures remain preliminary and will be updated if official agencies release materially different information.