Powerful quake off Indonesia kills 20, sparks mass evacuations
By Arnold WELIANTO and Dessy SAGITA in Jakarta Rescuers combed through debris for survivors Saturday after a powerful earthquake struck off Flores island in eastern Indonesia, killing at least 20 people and sending thousands fleeing. As the full scale of the disaster unfolded, rescue official Fathur Rahman told AFP at least 20 people were confirmed […]
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores island in eastern Indonesia on August 15, 2026, killing at least 20 people and triggering mass evacuations. Rescue officials confirmed the death toll, with six injured and two still buried under rubble. The epicentre was located 68 kilometres northwest of the coastal town of Ende.
As sea levels receded, residents fled to higher ground, fearing a potential tsunami. Although a tsunami warning was later lifted, people were advised not to return to damaged buildings due to the risk of aftershocks. The quake's impact was significant, with aftershocks measuring up to 6.1 magnitude. Indonesia is prone to frequent earthquakes due to its location in the Pacific "Ring of Fire."
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