Indonesia Earthquake: Rescue Teams Search for Survivors
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores Island, Indonesia, killing at least 51 people. Rescue teams are searching for survivors amid landslides and damaged infrastructure.
Background
On Saturday, August 15, 2026, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Flores Island in eastern Indonesia, causing widespread damage, landslides, and building collapses. The quake occurred early in the morning and was felt as far west as Bima Regency. The affected areas include Manggarai, East Manggarai, Nagekeo, and Sikka regencies, with significant casualties and displacement.
How it unfolded
- Aug 15, 2026 05:00 localA magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off Flores Island, Indonesia, at a depth of 15km, causing widespread damage and landslides.
- Aug 15, 2026Rescue operations began, with at least 38 deaths reported initially. Aftershocks hit the area, raising fears of further casualties.
- Aug 16, 2026Rescue teams continued searching for survivors, with the death toll rising to at least 51. More than 5,000 people were displaced, and thousands spent the night outdoors fearing aftershocks.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Fathur Rahman, head of the search and rescue office in Maumere, said they had cleared most landslides and reopened roads to previously isolated villages, though communication and power outages hamper efforts.
- Public
- Residents like Maria Imakulata Ndue and her son stood outside their earthquake-damaged house, reflecting the widespread displacement and fear of aftershocks.
Still unverified
The exact number of casualties may rise as rescue operations continue; some reports initially cited 38 deaths, later updated to at least 51.