Flores earthquake death toll rises to 68
At least 68 people are reported dead, 213 injured and more than 5,000 displaced as aftershocks and aid operations continue on Flores.
Aftershocks, aid deliveries, medical care and assessments are continuing. All casualty, displacement and damage figures remain provisional.
Latest timelineDeaths, injuries and displacement rise as aftershocks continue
At least 68 people have now been reported dead after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores on 15 August. A provisional balance reported on 17 August also records 213 injured people and more than 5,000 people displaced in sports halls and other evacuation sites.
The toll is a material rise from the 47 deaths confirmed by Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, BNPB, when this report was first published. Search teams have continued checking landslide debris and damaged buildings, while military and civilian responders move food, clean water, medicines, clothing and shelter supplies towards affected communities.
Access remains difficult in parts of Manggarai and neighbouring districts. Landslides, blocked roads, power and communication interruptions, and repeated aftershocks are slowing assessments and deliveries. A magnitude 5.7 aftershock was recorded early on 17 August without a renewed tsunami warning.
BNPB's first-day assessment recorded 346 damaged homes, alongside damage to 87 education facilities, 18 health facilities and transport infrastructure. Later reporting describes thousands of damaged homes, so the detailed housing balance is still being consolidated and should be treated as provisional.
Safe shelter, healthcare and access remain the immediate priorities
More than 5,000 displaced people now need sustained support while damaged roads, ports and airport terminals complicate movement across the island region.
Search and medical care
Teams are searching debris and treating at least 213 reported injuries while health services contend with damaged facilities. Referral capacity, medicines, trauma care and routine services all need close monitoring.
Safe temporary shelter
More than 5,000 people are reported displaced. Evacuation sites need weather protection, lighting, privacy, sanitation and clear information about aftershocks, building inspections and safe return decisions.
Water and essential supplies
Responders are delivering food, clean water, medicines, clothing and other essentials, but blocked roads and isolated communities can make regular distribution difficult.
Transport and isolated communities
Landslides, damaged terminals, ports and disrupted roads can delay assessments and supplies. Coastal and rural communities need to remain visible as district-level figures are consolidated.
How the earthquake and response have developed
Reported toll rises as aid deliveries continue
A provisional balance reports 68 deaths, 213 injuries and more than 5,000 displaced people. Authorities work to move food, clean water, medicine and clothing into harder-to-reach communities.
Magnitude 5.7 aftershock shakes Flores
The aftershock is recorded northwest of Ende without a renewed tsunami warning. Nearly 1,000 aftershocks have been reported since the main earthquake, including dozens felt by residents.
Searches reach previously isolated areas
Teams clear some landslide-blocked roads and recover more victims while thousands of displaced residents remain outdoors or in temporary sites because of damage and aftershock fears.
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.
Access, shelter conditions and aftershocks will shape the next phase
The balance remains incomplete and may change as district teams reach more communities and reconcile hospital, shelter and damage records.
Casualty reconciliation
Hospital, search, burial and district records are still being consolidated. The reported totals may rise or be revised as identities and duplicate records are checked.
Shelter conditions
The duration of displacement will depend on building inspections, aftershock risk and the availability of safe temporary sites with water, sanitation, healthcare and protection support.
Aftershocks and landslides
Repeated tremors can destabilise slopes and already damaged buildings, creating further danger and slowing safe access for residents and responders.
Essential transport links
Authorities are assessing roads, airport terminals, ports and ferry facilities. Keeping usable air and sea routes open is 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); Cadena SER; and El País.
Publication and updates
- Published — Original report published.
- Updated — Material report update.