**At Least Two Killed as Magnitude 7.7 Quake Hits Indonesia**
On August 15, 2026, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off the coast of Flores Island in Indonesia, resulting in the deaths of at least two individuals and prompting a tsunami warning from local authorities. The earthquake occurred at 5:58 AM local time (21:58 GMT on August 14) with its epicenter located approximately 68 kilometers (42 miles) north-northwest of the city of Ende in East Nusa Tenggara province. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake had a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
In the immediate aftermath, Indonesia's National Disaster Agency (BNPB) confirmed that two people—a man and a woman—lost their lives at the L Say Maumere port, with another individual sustaining injuries. Local media coverage showed significant damage to various structures, particularly in the Maumere region, highlighting the earthquake's severe impact on buildings and infrastructure.
Following the initial quake, three aftershocks were recorded within a half-hour period, measuring magnitudes 5.9, 5.6, and 6.1. These aftershocks raised concerns about further seismic activity in the area.
In response to the earthquake, Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami warning for affected coastal areas. Authorities urged residents to evacuate from beaches and riverbanks and to seek higher ground. Abdul Muhari, a BNPB official, emphasized the importance of self-evacuation, advising communities along the northern coast of Flores and in the southern regions to move at least two kilometers inland or to ascend to areas more than 10 meters (33 feet) high.
Despite the tsunami warning, Australia’s tsunami warning center indicated that the quake posed no threat to the Australian mainland, its islands, or territories.
USGS estimates suggest that over half a million people on Flores Island likely experienced very strong shaking, while several million more across the broader region felt moderate to strong tremors. Local authorities are actively monitoring the situation and assessing the potential for additional aftershocks in the coming hours.
Indonesia, home to more than 270 million people spread across approximately 17,000 islands, is situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. The recent earthquake serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters. A similar stretch of coastline experienced a devastating earthquake in December 1992, which triggered a tsunami that resulted in over 2,500 fatalities on Flores Island.
As the situation develops, local and national agencies continue to provide updates and support to affected communities.