7.7-Magnitude Quake on Flores Island Kills 51 and Prompts 14-Day Emergency in Indonesia
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Flores Island in Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province on August 15, 2026, killing at least 51 people, injuring 113 and prompting a 14-day provincial emergency response as power restoration efforts continue amid aftershocks.
Major 7.7 Quake Hits Flores Island
The quake was centered about 30 km northeast of Mbay in Nagekeo Regency at a depth of 15 km and was followed by 341 aftershocks. [5] Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency said the earthquake and 341 aftershocks had left 51 people dead and 113 others injured. [5] A total of 3,356 people were taking refuge in Sikka, 2,078 in Manggarai and 500 in Nagekeo, while others were displaced in Bima and Selayar. [5] The quake damaged 914 houses heavily, 126 moderately and 317 lightly. [5] It also damaged 93 educational facilities, 36 health facilities and 38 government offices. [5] Small tsunami waves up to 0.94 meters were recorded in Maurole, Ende, before the warning was lifted. [4] Thousands remain displaced across multiple regencies with extensive damage to houses, schools, health facilities and government offices. [4]
Emergency Declaration and Response Efforts
East Nusa Tenggara's governor declared a 14-day emergency response from August 15 to August 28 to facilitate evacuation, relief distribution and recovery. [5] The emergency response period runs from Aug. 15 to Aug. 28, said the decree issued by Melki Laka Lena, governor of East Nusa Tenggara province. [5] The provincial government said the emergency response status was aimed at facilitating disaster response, evacuation, relief distribution and recovery efforts in affected areas. [5] The same day Indonesia experienced two other significant tectonic quakes. [4]
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A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Flores Island in Indonesia killing 51 people. — Source: gdelt
Power Restoration Progress in East Nusa Tenggara
PT PLN restored full electricity generation capacity to 111 MW across 11 affected substations within a day, exceeding the current 95 MW load, but distribution networks remain disrupted with collapsed poles in hardest-hit Nagekeo and Reo districts. [3] PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo informed that 11 substations (GI) affected by the earthquake have been restored and are now operating at 100 percent capacity. [3] "In terms of power generation, the power supply capacity has reached 111 MW. This is more than enough to serve the current load of around 95 MW and the normal load of around 105 MW," he stated on Sunday. [3] PLN is now shifting its focus to restoring the distribution network, which is still experiencing disruptions due to the earthquake and landslides. [3] Darmawan noted that one feeder remains affected while several electricity poles have reportedly collapsed and broken, requiring repair or replacement. [3] "We are mobilizing all available resources and personnel to repair and replace damaged power poles. We hope to restore electricity to feeders that remain disrupted today, provided conditions at the disaster sites allow," he continued. [3] He mentioned that PLN continues to coordinate with local governments, the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), and the National Police to expedite the restoration of the electricity grid in the affected areas. [3] General Manager of PLN's East Nusa Tenggara Regional Main Unit (UIW), F. Eko Sulistyono, informed that Nagekeo and Reo Districts were the two areas most severely affected. [3] "We are deploying personnel, materials, and equipment extensively and focusing on the Nagekeo and Reo areas. If needed, additional support will be mobilized immediately from other areas," he remarked. [3] He assured that PLN will continue working to restore electricity to all customers, while prioritizing personnel safety amid ongoing aftershocks. [3] In addition to customer networks, PLN is also focusing on restoring electricity to vital facilities, such as hospitals, airports, government offices, evacuation centers, and other public service facilities. [3] "PLN will keep working alongside all relevant parties until electricity services are fully restored. We understand the urgency of recovery, but safety must remain the highest priority," Sulistyono remarked. [3]
Same-Day Quakes Across Indonesia
Indonesia was shaken by three significant tectonic earthquakes on the same day. [4] The quake in Nusa Tenggara Timur with magnitude 7.7 occurred on Saturday, August 15, 2026 around 04.58 WIB. [4] Then, a quake struck Simalungun, North Sumatra with magnitude 6.4 on the same day at 17.54 WIB. [4] The shaking was felt widely as far as the West Coast of the Malay Peninsula, but it was declared to have no tsunami potential because its center was on land. [4] Third, a quake struck Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi with magnitude 6.2 on the same day at 22.25 WIB. [4] The epicenter was in the Parigi Moutong Regency area of Central Sulawesi. [4] The shaking reportedly caused panic among residents, but it was confirmed to have no tsunami potential. [4]
Pacific Ring of Fire Context
Indonesia is included in the "Ring of Fire" or Pacific Ring of Fire which makes it frequently experience earthquakes. [4] Director of Earthquake and Tsunami BMKG Wijayanto explained that the Pacific Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped zone stretching about 40,000 kilometers along the Pacific Ocean basin. [4] "This path is the meeting point of various world tectonic plates that continue to move and collide with each other (subduction zone)," said Wijayanto. [4] According to the United States Geological Survey, most earthquakes and volcanic eruptions do not occur randomly but in certain areas, such as along tectonic plate boundaries. [4] One such area is the Pacific Ring of Fire where the Pacific Plate meets many surrounding tectonic plates. [4] The Pacific Ring of Fire is the most seismically and volcanically active zone in the world. [4]
Minor Earthquakes in Hawaii and Puerto Rico
A magnitude 2.7 earthquake occurred at a depth of 10.7 km, 11 km ENE of Hala‘ula, Hawaii. [1] A magnitude 3.1 earthquake occurred at a depth of 24.4 km, 57 km N of Hatillo, Puerto Rico. [2]
What to watch next: PLN continues to coordinate with local governments, BPBD, TNI and police to restore the distribution network in Nagekeo and Reo districts while prioritizing safety amid aftershocks, and the 14-day emergency response runs through August 28 to support ongoing evacuation and relief.
