{
  "id": 1067778,
  "title": "At least 47 killed as powerful earthquake strikes Indonesia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/at-least-47-killed-as-powerful-earthquake-strikes-indonesia",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T15:58:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/asia/2026/08/15/indonesia-earthquake-death-toll-latest-news/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "At least 47 people were killed when a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of Indonesia on Saturday, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency. Rescue teams discovered 20 fatalities, six injuries, and two individuals trapped under debris in Maumere, the main town in Sikka Regency on Flores Island. Communication systems were disrupted, and roads leading to Nagekeo, the region closest to the quake's epicenter, were obstructed by landslides. Authorities managed to evacuate about 2,000 residents to safety.\n\nDamage was reported to homes, warehouses, and government buildings in Nagekeo. Traffic congestion and power outages were also noted in the region. East Nusa Tenggara's Governor, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, confirmed that five individuals died when their dwelling collapsed during the night. The quake's impact was described as massive, with residents fleeing their homes in fear.\n\nPreliminary data indicated that 157 homes were severely damaged, 41 moderately damaged, and 148 lightly damaged. Schools, health facilities, places of worship, and office buildings also suffered from the disaster. Tremors were felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and parts of South Sulawesi, lasting approximately one minute. Tsunami waves below one meter were observed in several areas following the initial tremor, though the warning was canceled after three hours.\n\nThe Indonesian geophysics agency BMKG registered the initial quake at a depth of 15 kilometers, followed by numerous aftershocks. A similar magnitude-7.5 earthquake devastated the same area in 1992. Indonesia lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active region where tectonic plates converge, resulting in frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The United Arab Emirates conveyed its condolences and sympathy to Indonesia, wishing for a swift recovery for the injured.",
  "summary": "The death toll following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off eastern Indonesia on Saturday crossed 45, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said in its latest statement. Earlier, rescue workers near the port town of Maumere found 20 dead, six injured and two trapped under rubble, said Fathur Rahman, head of the city's rescue agency. Maumere is the main town in Sikka Regency, on…",
  "key_points": [
    "Powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake strikes off Indonesia's eastern coast",
    "At least 47 people killed, including 20 fatalities and 6 injuries",
    "Rescue teams evacuate 2,000 residents to safety"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "At least 47 killed as powerful earthquake strikes Indonesia",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/at-least-47-killed-as-powerful-earthquake-strikes-indonesia-1072342",
        "published": "2026-08-15T15:58:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "National Post",
        "title": "Powerful quakes rock Indonesia, leaving 40 dead on Flores Island",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/powerful-quakes-rock-indonesia-leaving-40-dead-on-flores-island",
        "published": "2026-08-15T16:27:18.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}