Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Indonesia earthquake kills 20 as Indian flag raised in Jakarta
A big earthquake, measured at 7.7, shook the island of Flores in Indonesia.
It happened early in the morning and sadly at least 20 people lost their lives.
People left their homes and markets because the ground was shaking.
There was a warning that a big wave called a tsunami might come, but it was later taken away.
Some buildings, like parts of a hospital and a port, were damaged.
Far away in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, the Indian Embassy was getting ready to celebrate a special day.
India had gained freedom 80 years ago, and every year it celebrates Independence Day.
Even though the earthquake had just happened, the embassy raised the Indian flag anyway.
They did this as part of a worldwide relay where Indian embassies pass the flag from one country to the next as the sun rises.
The relay started in Fiji and will travel to many countries, including Vietnam next.
It is a way for Indians all over the world to celebrate together, even during difficult times.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Flores Island, Indonesia, on Saturday, killing at least 20 people.
A tsunami warning was issued and later withdrawn; authorities advised coastal residents to move inland.
The Indian Embassy in Jakarta hoisted the Indian flag hours after the quake for India's 80th Independence Day.
The hoisting was part of the Suryapath Tiranga global relay, part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
The relay began in Suva, Fiji, and is expected to cover more than 50 countries, passing to Vietnam next.
- Who
- Indonesia (affected by the earthquake) and the Indian Embassy in Jakarta (flag hoisting)
- What
- A 7.7-magnitude earthquake off Flores Island killed at least 20 people, while the Indian Embassy in Jakarta hoisted the national flag for India's 80th Independence Day
- When
- Saturday, August 15, 2026; the earthquake struck at 5:58 am local time
- Where
- Off Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, and Jakarta, Indonesia
- Why
- The flag hoisting marked India's 80th Independence Day as part of the Suryapath Tiranga global relay, which connects Indian diplomatic missions worldwide
Proceeding despite disaster
Prioritising disaster response
Flag hoisting after the earthquake
Proceeding despite disaster
Holding the ceremony as scheduled maintains the spirit of the global relay and diplomatic tradition despite the quake.
Prioritising disaster response
The ceremony diverted attention from a deadly disaster; response and relief efforts should have taken full priority.
- Earthquake magnitude
- 7.7
- Casualties
- At least 20 dead
- Earthquake time
- 5:58 am local time, Saturday
- Depth and epicentre
- Around 10 km deep, 68 km north-northwest of Ende
- Tsunami warning
- Issued, then later withdrawn
- Event marked
- India's 80th Independence Day (Har Ghar Tiranga campaign)
- Relay start
- Suva, Fiji Islands
- Relay countries
- More than 50 countries expected; Vietnam next in the relay