JAKARTA ― The death toll from a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Indonesia's Flores Island has risen to 47 as of Saturday evening.
Rescue workers search damaged buildings for residents potentially trapped inside in Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, August 15, 2026. | 🖼️ Photo: BASARNAS via AP.
📋 AI Summary
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit Flores Island in Indonesia, killing at least 47 people.
- A total of 346 homes and dozens of public facilities suffered severe structural damage.
- BNPB is deploying 50,000 relief packages weighing 275 tonnes to disaster zones.
- Geological Agency officials issued warnings regarding landslides and soil liquefaction.
📝 Table of Contents
■ Earthquake death toll continues rising
Acting Head of BNPB Data Centre Berton Panjaitan confirmed that the fatalities were reported across six districts in East Nusa Tenggara Province.
The disaster that struck early Saturday morning caused extensive damage to public infrastructure and residential properties.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to search through collapsed structures for potential survivors trapped beneath the rubble.
■ Hundreds of homes severely damaged
Latest disaster assessment reports indicate that 346 housing units were damaged, including 157 categorized as severely destroyed.
Structural damage was also recorded at 87 educational facilities, 18 healthcare centers, five places of worship, and six government offices.
"BNPB has initiated the distribution of food and non-food assistance to affected areas, including 50,000 relief packages weighing 275 tonnes via air force base," said Berton Panjaitan.
Approximately 2,000 residents reportedly evacuated independently to safer ground to avoid risks from potential aftershocks.
■ Government coordinates immediate disaster aid
The quake, centered 30 kilometers off Mbay at a depth of 15 kilometers, initially triggered a tsunami warning.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) later lifted the warning after monitoring showed no significant rise in sea levels.
Operations at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta were deployed to coordinate logistics delivery to the disaster zones.
■ Soil liquefaction hazard warning issued
Geological Agency Head Lana Saria warned of potential secondary hazards, including landslides, ground cracking, and soil liquefaction.
Reports of water emerging from underground in the Waekokak-Mbay area are currently being investigated to confirm liquefaction risks on-site.
Local authorities urged residents to remain vigilant against potential aftershocks occurring across the affected region.
💡 FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the earthquake that struck Flores Island?
The earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.7 with an epicenter located 30 kilometers off Mbay at a depth of 15 kilometers.
How many fatalities have been confirmed so far?
At least 47 people have been confirmed dead across six districts in East Nusa Tenggara Province.
Is the tsunami warning still active following the quake?
The tsunami warning was officially lifted by BMKG after sea level monitoring indicated no significant rise.
What immediate relief measures are being taken by Indonesian authorities?
BNPB is delivering 50,000 relief packages weighing 275 tonnes using TNI-AU military air transports.
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