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Indonesia earthquake kills 47
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The gist
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake off Indonesia's Flores island killed at least 47 people and toppled buildings. The quake triggered a tsunami warning and forced thousands into shelters.
Background
Indonesia sits on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', a zone of high seismic activity. The quake struck early Saturday near Flores Island, about 1,000 miles east of Jakarta, and was one of the largest in the region in decades. The same area was hit by a deadly quake and tsunami in 1992 that killed over 2,500 people.
How it unfolded
- Aug 15, 2026 05:58 localA magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Flores Island, centered 42 miles north-northwest of Ende, prompting a tsunami warning.
- Aug 15, 2026 early morningAt least 2 deaths reported initially; tsunami warning later lifted after limited sea-level changes, but waves over 5 feet were observed.
- Aug 15, 2026 laterDeath toll rose to at least 47 as rescuers searched for survivors amid landslides and over 200 aftershocks.
Who’s saying what
- Officials
- East Nusa Tenggara police chief Rudi Darmoko said communication disruptions hampered damage reports and rescue efforts.
- Residents
- Yohanna Embu of Sikka regency said panicked people ran to higher ground as buildings shook.
- Governor
- Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said victims were killed in their sleep by collapsing rubble.