Indonesia hit by powerful 7.7 earthquake, Tsunami warning issued

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, August 15, 2026, sending strong tremors across parts of eastern Indonesia and prompting authorities to issue a tsunami warning for vulnerable coastal areas.

The earthquake struck at around 5:58am local time, with the epicentre near Nagekeo in East Nusa Tenggara. The relatively shallow quake was followed by several aftershocks, intensifying fears among residents living near the coast.

Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami warning shortly after the earthquake and urged people in exposed coastal areas to move to higher ground as a precaution. Minor tsunami waves were subsequently recorded in some locations.

The powerful shaking caused damage to buildings and other infrastructure in parts of East Nusa Tenggara. Residents rushed outdoors as buildings shook, while emergency teams began assessing the extent of the destruction.

At least several people were reported killed or injured, although casualty figures remained subject to change as rescue teams reached affected areas. In some locations, hospitals moved patients outdoors amid concerns over building safety.

The earthquake also triggered evacuations, with thousands of residents moving away from coastal areas after the tsunami alert. Authorities continued monitoring sea levels and aftershocks as emergency operations got underway.

The tsunami warning was later lifted after officials found no continuing threat of major waves. Australia’s tsunami warning authorities also said the earthquake posed no tsunami threat to mainland Australia, its islands or territories.

Indonesia lies along the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire, making the country particularly vulnerable to powerful earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain alert, follow official instructions and avoid damaged structures while inspections and rescue operations continue.