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NewsWSVN 7 MiamiAugust 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.

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Why It Matters

The disaster has displaced approximately 5,000 people and caused significant infrastructure damage, including blocked roads and power outages, across the Flores region.

Key Facts

  • The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7 and occurred 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 forced 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.
  • Landslides have blocked sections of the 700-kilometer Trans-Flores Highway.
  • Search and rescue efforts are focused on the Manggarai, East Manggarai, and Nagekeo regencies.
  • The earthquake occurred at 5:58 a.m. local time on Saturday.

Who's Mentioned

personAbdul Muhari“National Disaster Management Agency’s chief for disaster prevention”personFathur Rahman“Head of the Search and Rescue Office in Maumere”personAnastasia Imad“Local farmer affected by the earthquake”locationFlores“Island region impacted by the earthquake”organizationU.S. Geological Survey“Agency that reported the earthquake details”locationEast Nusa Tenggara“Province where the earthquake occurred”