Flores earthquake kills 47 as response expands
At least 47 people are dead and hundreds of buildings are damaged after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara.
Searches, medical care and rapid damage assessments are continuing. All casualty and damage figures remain provisional.
Latest timelineA powerful early-morning earthquake has caused deaths and widespread damage across Flores
At least 47 people have died after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara at 05:58 local time on 15 August, according to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, BNPB. Injured people were being evacuated for medical treatment while teams searched damaged buildings and checked communities across Flores and nearby islands.
BNPB's provisional assessment at 17:00 WIB recorded 157 homes severely damaged, 41 moderately damaged and 148 lightly damaged. The agency also reported damage to 87 education facilities, 18 health facilities, five places of worship, six offices and other public buildings.
Transport infrastructure has also been affected. Five of East Nusa Tenggara's 15 airports reported terminal damage, although BNPB said their runways remained usable. Two ports were severely damaged and two ferry facilities were affected. Landslides and continuing aftershocks may further complicate access and assessments.
Safe shelter, healthcare and access are the immediate priorities
The earthquake affected several districts across an island region where damaged roads, ports and airport terminals can slow the movement of people, specialist teams and relief supplies.
Search and medical care
Teams are evacuating people from damaged structures and treating injuries while hospitals and clinics also contend with damage to at least 18 health facilities. Referral capacity and continuity of routine care will need close monitoring.
Safe temporary shelter
Families may be unable or unwilling to return to cracked homes while structural checks continue. Safe sites need weather protection, lighting, privacy, sanitation and clear information about aftershocks and return decisions.
Water and essential supplies
Displacement and damaged services can quickly create needs for clean water, food, hygiene items, medicines, blankets and household essentials. BNPB has begun moving emergency stocks from Flores Timur and Jakarta.
Transport and isolated communities
Damaged terminals, ports and landslide-affected routes may delay assessments and supplies. Coastal and rural communities need to remain visible as district-level figures are consolidated.
How the earthquake and response developed on 15 August
Official death toll reaches 47
BNPB identifies deaths across Manggarai, East Manggarai, Sikka, West Manggarai, Ngada and Ende while medical treatment and rapid assessments continue.
National response expands
Central government ministries, BNPB, search-and-rescue teams, military and police assets begin moving personnel, medical capacity, equipment and relief supplies towards affected districts.
Initial deaths and damage are confirmed
Early official reports confirm deaths in Sikka and damage in several locations while tsunami monitoring and aftershock information continue.
Magnitude 7.7 earthquake strikes
The shallow earthquake occurs north of Flores. GDACS records a depth of 10 kilometres and estimates 1.7 million people were exposed to very strong shaking at intensity VII or higher.
Casualty totals, displacement and access conditions may change quickly
The first-day balance is incomplete and will be revised as district teams reach more communities and reconcile hospital, shelter and damage records.
Injuries and missing people
BNPB confirmed that injured people were receiving treatment but had not yet published a consolidated injury or missing-person total in its latest update.
Displacement
Three evacuation points were established in the Selayar Islands, but a province-wide displaced population had not yet been confirmed. Shelter numbers may rise as building inspections continue.
Aftershocks and landslides
Strong aftershocks continued through the day. Unstable slopes and already damaged buildings can create additional danger for residents and responders.
Essential transport links
Authorities are assessing airport terminals, ports, ferry facilities and roads. Keeping usable runways and sea routes open will be important for reaching an island-wide emergency.
Information used in this report
Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB); the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG); the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS); and El País.
Publication and updates
- Published — Original report published.