NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 16, 2026Miami-Dade
Magnitude-7.7 earthquake in Indonesia kills 53 and displaces thousands
A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck the Flores region of Indonesia, resulting in 53 confirmed deaths, 135 injuries, and the destruction of over 900 homes. Rescue teams are currently working to clear landslides and restore power and communications to isolated villages across six regencies.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The disaster has forced approximately 5,000 residents into temporary shelters and disrupted critical infrastructure, including the Trans-Flores Highway, complicating ongoing search and rescue operations.
Key Facts
- The earthquake magnitude was 7.7 at a depth of 10 kilometers.
- The death toll is currently 53 people.
- 135 people have been reported injured.
- Approximately 5,000 people have been displaced into temporary shelters.
- More than 900 homes were destroyed and 450 were damaged in East Nusa Tenggara province.
- Authorities have recorded 995 aftershocks, 46 of which were felt by residents.
- Search and rescue efforts are focused on the Manggarai, East Manggarai, and Nagekeo regencies.
- Landslides have blocked sections of the 700-kilometer Trans-Flores Highway.
- Relief supplies being distributed include rice, ready-to-eat meals, water, blankets, and medicine.
Who's Mentioned
personAbdul Muhari“Chief for disaster prevention at the National Disaster Management Agency”personFathur Rahman“Head of the Search and Rescue Office in Maumere”personAnastasia Imad“Local resident and farmer”locationFlores“Island in East Nusa Tenggara province affected by the earthquake”organizationU.S. Geological Survey“Agency that reported the earthquake magnitude and depth”