Indonesia's Flores Region Hit by 5.9 Quake; Death Toll Reaches 54

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Indonesia's Flores region early on Monday, August 17, 2026, occurring at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers.

This latest seismic event follows a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit eastern Indonesia days earlier, from which the death toll has now risen to 54. The earlier 7.7 magnitude earthquake particularly affected the island of Flores, displacing 12,000 people and destroying infrastructure. Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams racing to reach devastated communities across Flores.

The powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake triggered landslides, which have complicated rescue efforts and left many villages isolated due to blocked roads. On Sunday, rescue teams recovered six additional bodies, raising the death toll to 53 at that time. The region of Marapokot, Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, shows visible damage, with a crack on the road observed on August 17, 2026, following the initial 7.7-magnitude quake. Authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and the needs of the displaced population.