A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off Indonesia’s Flores Island has killed at least 47 people and injured another 50, with thousands of residents displaced and rescue teams continuing to search damaged buildings for survivors.
The earthquake struck at around 5.30am local time on 15 August off the northern coast of Flores, in eastern Indonesia. Its epicentre was located approximately 68km north-west of the coastal town of Ende.
The shallow earthquake caused significant damage across affected areas, with multiple strong aftershocks reported following the initial tremor. One of the strongest aftershocks reportedly reached magnitude 6.1, adding to concerns over already weakened buildings and infrastructure.
The latest death toll represents a rise from the initial figure of 38 fatalities reported shortly after the earthquake. Authorities also initially reported two people seriously injured and another 11 suffering minor injuries.
Thousands Displaced As Buildings Damaged
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency said nearly 160 houses had been damaged, alongside dozens of schools and other public buildings.
The scale of the damage has forced thousands of residents to leave their homes, with emergency responders working to assess affected communities and provide assistance to displaced families.
Rescue operations are particularly focused on structures where people may still be trapped. Search and rescue teams have been deployed to damaged areas as authorities work to locate survivors and determine the full extent of the destruction.
The earthquake’s shallow depth was also a major concern. The tremor was recorded at a depth of about 15km, meaning the seismic energy was released relatively close to the surface. Earthquakes occurring at shallower depths can cause more severe shaking and damage in nearby communities.
Strong Aftershocks Raise Concerns Over Further Damage
Residents in affected parts of Flores experienced several powerful aftershocks following the main earthquake.
The continued seismic activity has complicated rescue and recovery efforts, particularly around damaged buildings. Authorities have warned of the dangers associated with entering structures that may have suffered structural damage during the initial quake or subsequent tremors.
Emergency personnel are therefore prioritising areas where there are reports of people trapped, while disaster agencies assess damaged homes, schools and other public facilities.
Flores is part of Indonesia’s seismically active region, where earthquakes are relatively common because of the country’s location along major tectonic boundaries. The latest disaster has once again highlighted the earthquake risks faced by communities across the Indonesian archipelago.
As rescue operations continue, officials are expected to assess the number of people requiring emergency shelter, food, medical treatment and other forms of assistance.
The death toll could also change as rescuers gain access to more affected locations and authorities receive updated reports from communities that remain difficult to reach.
For now, emergency teams remain focused on finding survivors, treating the injured and supporting thousands of displaced residents while monitoring the continuing aftershocks.