Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Indonesia earthquake death toll rises to 38, rescuers seek survivors
On Saturday morning, a very big earthquake shook part of Indonesia.
An earthquake is when the ground shakes and rumbles.
This one was extremely strong and caused buildings to collapse.
At least 38 people lost their lives, and some reports say the number could be even higher.
The earthquake happened off the coast near an island called Flores, in a province called East Nusa Tenggara.
It also made the ocean rise in small waves, but the danger warning was lifted after about three hours.
Around 2,000 people moved to safer places so they would not get hurt.
Rescue workers want to help people trapped in buildings, but some roads are blocked by landslides.
The shaking was felt across several regions and lasted about one minute in some places.
A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday, killing at least 38 people, though BNPB's latest statement cited by one source put the toll at 47.
Rescuers in the port town of Maumere recovered 20 bodies, with six injured and two people trapped under debris, said rescue agency head Fathur Rahman.
Around 2,000 people evacuated in Nagekeo, the region closest to the epicentre, where homes, warehouses and government buildings were damaged.
Tsunami waves of less than 1 metre were recorded, and the tsunami warning was lifted about three hours after the quake.
Rescue teams had yet to reach Nagekeo because landslides blocked roads and disrupted communications, while 52 aftershocks between magnitudes 3.6 and 6.2 were recorded.
- Who
- Residents of eastern Indonesia, rescue teams led by National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) head Suharyanto, local rescue chief Fathur Rahman, and East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena.
- What
- A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia, killing at least 38 people, toppling buildings, trapping victims, triggering dozens of aftershocks and small tsunami waves.
- When
- Early Saturday, August 15, 2026, recorded at 4:58 a.m. local time (2158 GMT Friday).
- Where
- Off eastern Indonesia near Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, affecting Maumere, Nagekeo, Labuan Bajo, Ende and surrounding areas.
- Why
- Indonesia straddles the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active zone where tectonic plates meet, creating frequent earthquakes and volcanoes.
Death toll discrepancy
Official figures
Casualty count
Death toll discrepancy
Article 3 cites BNPB's latest statement putting the death toll at at least 47 people.
Official figures
Articles 1 and 2 report at least 38 deaths, with BNPB head Suharyanto citing 38 fatalities, two seriously injured and 11 with minor injuries as of 15:00 local time.
- Magnitude
- 7.7
- Death toll
- At least 38 (one BNPB statement cited by another source: 47)
- Epicentre depth
- 15 km (9 miles)
- Time of quake
- 4:58 a.m. local time (2158 GMT)
- Aftershocks
- At least 52, magnitudes 3.6-6.2
- Evacuees
- About 2,000 residents (total fatalities per BNPB: 38 dead, 2 seriously injured, 11 minor injuries)
- Tsunami warning
- Lifted about 3 hours after quake; waves under 1 metre
- Damage
- 157 homes heavily damaged; 87 schools, 18 health facilities, 5 places of worship and 6 office buildings hit
- Maumere casualties
- 20 dead, 6 injured, 2 trapped (per rescue agency head Fathur Rahman)
