What to Know About the Earthquake in Indonesia
The death toll has reached at least 68 people, with search efforts for bodies and possible survivors ongoing.
On August 16, 2026, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores island in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. The quake occurred at a depth of about 6 miles (10 kilometers) and at roughly 6 a.m. local time, causing widespread damage and fatalities. As of Monday, the death toll had reached at least 68 people, with hundreds more injured and thousands displaced due to infrastructure damage. Search and rescue efforts were ongoing, with over 1,800 military and police personnel deployed to distribute aid.
The earthquake triggered small tsunamis in four Indonesian provinces, reaching some coastal villages and causing minor infrastructure damage. A state of emergency was declared for 14 days in the affected province. President Prabowo Subianto paid tribute to the victims during a ceremony for Indonesia's 81st Independence Day.
Damage was reported in several communities, with over 4,500 homes damaged, 122 health facilities, 252 schools, and 84 places of worship destroyed. Thousands slept under tarp tents, in need of food and medical attention. Emergency field hospitals were set up to treat injured victims.
Donations are being sought by organizations like UNICEF, World Central Kitchen, Global Giving, and World Vision to provide food, clean water, shelters, and medical services to those affected by the earthquake.
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