Go to today's feed

Indonesia Magnitude 7.7 Earthquake Kills 51, Displaces Thousands on Flores Island

General11 sourcesAug 16, 2026
FlatRigor 5311 sources

The Story

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake in eastern Indonesia killed at least 51 people and forced about 5,000 to evacuate. Rescue teams are working to clear roads blocked by landslides and reach survivors still trapped under rubble. The earthquake struck at 5:58 a.m. local time on Saturday (21:58 GMT, Friday). Its epicenter was about 68 kilometers (42 miles) north-northwest of Ende city, on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara province. The US Geological Survey reported the depth at 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The quake was followed by some 341 aftershocks, making it one of Indonesia’s deadliest earthquakes in years. Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus reported 36 people were seriously injured and 77 suffered minor injuries. More than 3,300 people in Sikka regency either fled their homes or were left stranded, taking shelter in a sports arena. Nearly 160 houses, dozens of educational and health facilities, and other public buildings were damaged. Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura village, described the quake as massive and strong. Melania Nius, 56, recounted praying as she fought to get her family to safety from a hospital's third floor. In the port town of Maumere, some residents camped outside collapsed homes under tarpaulin tents, while others received treatment in a makeshift tent outside a local hospital. Simon Sabandi, deputy regent of Sikka, said almost all Sikka residents did not dare stay indoors. Authorities had issued a tsunami warning and urged coastal residents to move to higher ground.

The Spread

What they agree on

  • A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia on Saturday.
  • The earthquake's epicenter was near Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province.
  • The earthquake has killed at least 51 people and displaced thousands.
  • The quake caused widespread damage to buildings and homes.
  • The earthquake was followed by hundreds of aftershocks.

Where they split

  • Earlier reports cited a death toll of at least 38 or 5 people, while later reports from Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia updated the death toll to at least 51 people and specified around 5,000 evacuations.
  • Channel News Asia includes a personal account from Melania Nius, detailing her experience during the earthquake, which is not present in all other articles.

Source Perspectives

Left1 source
Center10 sources