Indonesia Earthquake Death Toll Climbs as Rescuers Search Flores for Survivors

The death toll from the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island rose to at least 40 on Saturday, August 15, as emergency teams searched damaged buildings and thousands of residents evacuated amid fears of further tremors and tsunami risk.

Qatar News Agency reported that at least 50 people were injured. The shallow earthquake struck off Flores in eastern Indonesia and caused widespread damage, prompting a tsunami warning that was later lifted.

Rescue Operations Continue Across Flores

Emergency personnel searched rubble for survivors as authorities assessed damage across affected communities. Landslides, damaged roads, power disruptions and communication problems complicated efforts to reach some areas.

Thousands Evacuate

Around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo Regency evacuated after the earthquake. The region is among the areas closest to the epicentre, and residents remained wary of aftershocks.

Tsunami Warning Lifted

Indonesia’s meteorological authorities issued a tsunami warning after the earthquake. The warning was subsequently lifted after monitoring indicated that the immediate threat of significant sea-level rise had passed, although small tsunami waves were observed.

Second Strong Earthquake Recorded Near Sumatra

A separate magnitude-6.9 earthquake was also recorded near Sumatra in western Indonesia later on Saturday. Initial reports cited by QNA said there were no casualties or damage from that event.

Damage Assessments Ongoing

Homes and public facilities were damaged across parts of East Nusa Tenggara. Authorities warned that casualty and damage figures could change as rescue teams reached isolated communities and completed assessments.

Indonesia’s High Earthquake Risk

Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the movement of tectonic plates produces frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. Flores has experienced major destructive earthquakes in the past, including the deadly 1992 earthquake and tsunami.

Latest Update

The QNA report published on August 15 placed the death toll at 40. Later reporting from Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency raised the toll to at least 47, underscoring how quickly figures can change during an active search-and-rescue operation.

Key Facts

•    Main earthquake: Magnitude 7.7
•    Location: Off Flores Island, eastern Indonesia
•    QNA-reported death toll on August 15: At least 40
•    QNA-reported injuries: At least 50
•    Evacuated in Nagekeo: Around 2,000 people
•    Tsunami warning: Issued and later lifted
•    Separate quake: Magnitude 6.9 near Sumatra, with no initial casualties or damage reported

Editor’s note: This is a developing story. The QNA article cited a toll of 40, while subsequent reports raised the number to at least 47. Casualty and damage figures may continue to change.

Sources: Qatar News Agency (QNA), August 15, 2026; later updates from Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency and international news reporting.