Jakarta (Indonesia), August 15, 2026, BNN Web Staff: At least 38 people have been killed after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday, causing buildings to collapse, triggering landslides and prompting thousands of residents to evacuate.
The shallow earthquake struck the Flores region in East Nusa Tenggara, with the US Geological Survey reporting the epicentre at a depth of around 10 kilometres. Several aftershocks followed the main tremor, including one measuring 6.1.
The earthquake caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, while landslides blocked roads and disrupted power and communications in several areas. Rescue teams have been searching damaged buildings for survivors, with some people reportedly still trapped under rubble.
A tsunami warning was issued following the earthquake, prompting residents in coastal areas to move to higher ground.
The warning was later lifted after authorities found no significant sea-level changes, although waves of less than one metre were recorded in some areas.
Around 2,000 residents have reportedly been evacuated from affected areas as rescue and relief operations continue. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage, and the casualty figures could change as teams reach areas that remain difficult to access.
