A major earthquake of 7.7 magnitude hit near Indonesia's island of Flores on Saturday morning killing at least 38 people and injuring many others. The earthquake left behind destruction in its wake, causing buildings and houses to collapse, creating landslides and forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes according to AP.
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck near Indonesia's Flores island on Saturday morning, causing at least 38 deaths and numerous injuries, damage to buildings, and landslides that disrupted the Trans-Flores highway.
The earthquake hit an area that is notorious for frequent earthquakes. While authorities had initially issued a tsunami alert for some provinces, the alert was cancelled later because no rise in water levels was reported in the affected region.
38 Dead, Several Others Injured
According to chief of Indonesia's national disaster agency, Suharyanto, rescue workers found at least 38 dead bodies from the worst-affected areas.
🚨 The earthquake in Indonesia was magnitude 7.7. For many people, the early morning began with disaster. 🇮🇩 #Indonesia #Earthquake #BreakingNews #EarthquakeAlert pic.twitter.com/c4edaQnCEh
— Mahrosh Pervaiz (@MahroshPervaiz1) August 15, 2026
Majority of the victims were killed in regencies of Sikka, Manggarai and East Manggarai. Bodies of sixteen people were retrieved from a landslide in Reok village of Manggarai.
At least 13 people have been taken to nearby hospitals; two of them were seriously injured.
Earthquake Struck Near Ende
US Geological Survey says that the quake hit at about 5:58 am local time at a depth of approximately 10 kilometres.
🇮🇩 TERREMOTO EN INDONESIA: pic.twitter.com/Y0djTWTFFX
— Alerta Mundial (@AlertaMundoNews) August 14, 2026
The epicenter of the quake was situated roughly 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province of Indonesia.
The main quake was preceded by a series of aftershocks, making the situation even more scary for the residents.
Thousands Flee To Temporary Shelters
Around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo regency reportedly left their homes and moved to temporary shelters following the earthquake.
The powerful shaking caused panic across Flores Island, with residents rushing outdoors and moving towards safer areas.
In some locations, residents were also advised to stay away from coastal areas and riverbanks after the tsunami warning was issued.
Tsunami Warning Later Lifted
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency initially issued a tsunami warning for parts of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi.
People living near the coast were advised to move to higher ground.
The warning was later lifted after monitoring showed that there were no significant changes in sea levels that posed a continuing threat to coastal communities.
Landslides Cut Off Trans-Flores Highway
The earthquake also triggered landslides in parts of Ende regency, disrupting transport on the Trans-Flores highway.
The approximately 700-kilometre road is an important route across Flores Island, connecting Labuan Bajo and Larantuka.
Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Rudi Darmoko said landslides and power outages had made rescue efforts more difficult.
Communication disruptions also affected the flow of information from some of the worst-hit areas.
Footage from local television showed patients being moved out of hospital buildings as a precaution. Medical staff shifted beds, oxygen cylinders, IV stands and other equipment outdoors and created temporary treatment areas.
The emergency arrangements were made because of concerns about damaged buildings and continuing aftershocks.
Helicopters And Rescue Vessel Deployed
Authorities deployed three helicopters and a rescue vessel to support emergency operations.
The equipment and personnel are being used to transport supplies, support rescue teams and assist with possible evacuations.
