Indonesia: Flores Earthquake Claims 100 Lives and Displaces Over 180,000 People

Tuesday 25 August 2026 - 09:44

The toll from the powerful earthquake that struck Flores Island on August 15 continues to rise. Indonesian authorities now report 100 dead and 1,603 injured, while more than 180,000 residents remain displaced. Local teams are still monitoring ongoing seismic activity.

The earthquake that hit eastern Indonesia ten days ago continues to have its effects. According to the latest report from the National Disaster Management Agency, 100 people have lost their lives following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that occurred on Flores Island.

The number of injured now stands at 1,603 people. Some recently deceased victims had been severely injured during the initial tremor before succumbing to their injuries despite receiving medical care.

Over 180,000 People Still Displaced

The human impact of the disaster cannot be measured solely by the number of casualties.

Authorities indicate that over 180,000 people remain displaced, forced to leave their homes due to the damage and ongoing risks associated with seismic activity.

The situation remains particularly fragile in the affected areas, where populations must cope with the aftermath of the earthquake while staying vigilant against new tremors.

Over 6,400 Aftershocks Recorded

Seismic activity remains significant since the main earthquake.

According to Suharyanto, head of the Indonesian disaster management agency, 6,409 aftershocks have been recorded since August 15. Among them, 33 reached at least a magnitude of 5.

The strongest aftershock reached 6.2.

In light of this succession of tremors, authorities have also had to combat the spread of false information on social media. The head of BNPB urged the public not to circulate rumors of an even stronger earthquake or a new tsunami.

According to authorities, aftershock activity has begun to decrease in recent days.

A Threat That Could Persist for Several Weeks

Experts still expect aftershocks in the coming weeks.

Authorities estimate that this activity could continue for three to four weeks after the main earthquake. However, their frequency and intensity are expected to gradually decrease.

This evolution requires residents in the affected areas to remain cautious, as rescue and assistance operations continue.

An Earthquake Occurred at Shallow Depth

The earthquake occurred on August 15 at 5:58 AM local time.

According to data from the United States Geological Survey (USGS), its epicenter was located approximately 68 kilometers northwest of Ende, in the province of East Nusa Tenggara. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth, a factor that can increase the destructive effects of tremors at the surface.

Authorities continue to assess the damage in the affected areas and monitor the evolution of tectonic activity.

Indonesia Faces a Persistent Seismic Threat

The disaster highlights the particular vulnerability of the Indonesian archipelago.

The country is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a vast area where several tectonic plates meet, concentrating significant seismic and volcanic activity.

Earthquakes, eruptions, and associated risks are thus among the main natural threats that Indonesian populations regularly face.

In Flores, the emergency remains twofold: to assist the thousands affected by the disaster and to maintain close monitoring of the region as aftershocks are expected to continue.