Indonesia Earthquake Kills At Least Five as Tsunami Warning Issued

August 15, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores island early Saturday, killing at least five people and damaging buildings across parts of East Nusa Tenggara province, while authorities issued a tsunami warning that was later lifted.

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake struck at 5:58am local time, with its epicentre about 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende at a depth of 10 kilometres. The shallow quake triggered strong shaking across East Nusa Tenggara and prompted residents in coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground.

The death toll rose to at least five, according to the governor of East Nusa Tenggara. The national disaster agency initially reported one death and four injuries, while local authorities reported fatalities in Sikka and Manggarai regencies after buildings collapsed.

The earthquake caused damage to homes, warehouses and government buildings, while power outages and communication disruptions were reported in affected areas. A hospital in Ende moved patients outdoors as authorities assessed the damage, and about 2,000 people in Nagekeo were evacuated.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency issued a tsunami warning for parts of the region after the earthquake. Waves of less than one metre were recorded in several locations before the warning was lifted about three hours later.

The quake was followed by dozens of aftershocks, including one measuring 6.1. Authorities continued to assess damage and warned residents to remain cautious as further tremors could affect already weakened structures.

Flores and surrounding islands are part of Indonesia’s seismically active zone, where the convergence of tectonic plates produces frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. The region has experienced deadly earthquakes and tsunamis in the past, including a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in 1992 that generated a destructive tsunami.

Source: FSX Business News