Indonesia Earthquake Today Latest News: Indonesia was hit by two powerful earthquakes on Saturday, August 15, 2026, with a 6.9-magnitude tremor striking Northern Sumatra after a deadly 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit the Flores region earlier in the day. The earlier earthquake killed at least 47 people, damaged hundreds of buildings and triggered a tsunami warning that was later lifted.
Where Was The Epicentre Of The 6.9-Magnitude Earthquake?
The 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Northern Sumatra, with its epicentre reported near Pematangsiantar, around 126 kilometres southeast of Medan. Reports put the earthquake at a deep depth of roughly 158–183 kilometres.
Unlike the earlier Flores earthquake, there were no immediate reports of deaths, injuries, major structural damage or a tsunami threat linked to the 6.9-magnitude Sumatra tremor.
What Happened In The Deadly 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake?
The earlier and more destructive earthquake struck off Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara at around 5:58 a.m. local time. The epicentre was approximately 68 kilometres north-northwest of Ende, at a relatively shallow depth of about 10–15 kilometres.
Indonesia’s disaster agency BNPB said the death toll had risen to at least 47, while dozens of people were injured. Rescue teams continued searching damaged and collapsed structures as access to some areas remained difficult.
Which Areas Were Worst Affected?
The East Nusa Tenggara province bore the brunt of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake. Major impacts were reported in Nagekeo Regency, Sikka Regency, Maumere and areas around Flores and Ende.
Maumere reported significant casualties and building damage. Landslides blocked roads, including parts of the Trans-Flores route, while power and communications outages complicated rescue operations.
More than 2,000 people evacuated in Nagekeo, while hundreds of homes and public buildings were damaged or destroyed. Reports also said numerous schools and health facilities were affected.
Was There A Tsunami Warning? Which Countries Were Affected?
Yes. The 7.7-magnitude Flores earthquake initially prompted a tsunami warning for parts of Indonesia. Tsunami waves were subsequently recorded, with the highest reported wave reaching around 1.61 metres in Riung village. The warning was later lifted after authorities determined that the major tsunami threat had passed.
The earthquake was felt across parts of Indonesia, including areas of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi. However, there were no confirmed reports of significant earthquake or tsunami damage in any other country. Australia was specifically reported to have no tsunami threat from the Flores earthquake.
What Is The Death Toll And What Should People Do?
The latest reported death toll from the 7.7-magnitude Flores earthquake is at least 47, while the 6.9-magnitude Sumatra earthquake has no reported deaths so far. The Flores quake was followed by numerous aftershocks, including strong tremors, keeping residents and rescuers on alert.
People in affected areas should stay away from damaged buildings, bridges and landslide zones and follow instructions from Indonesian authorities. Residents near the coast should immediately move inland or to higher ground if a new tsunami warning is issued. People should also prepare for aftershocks and avoid returning to damaged structures until they are declared safe.
For emergency assistance in Indonesia, 112 is the general emergency number in areas where the service is available. Residents should also follow alerts and instructions from BMKG and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet. The two major earthquakes on August 15 have prompted continued monitoring as rescue and damage-assessment operations remain underway.
Disclaimer: Earthquake details, including magnitude, casualties, damage, and tsunami alerts, may change. Follow official BMKG and BNPB updates for the latest verified information.
