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7.7 Earthquake Kills at Least 47 in Flores

8/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores island early on Aug 15 2026.
The shallow quake was about 10 km deep with its epicenter 68 km north-northwest of Ende.
The National Disaster Management Agency confirmed at least 47 deaths.
Hundreds fled to higher ground in Maumere, Nagekeo and nearby coastal towns.
BMKG issued a tsunami warning for four provinces, then lifted it after waves stayed under 1 metre.

History

Historical Context

On 26 December 2004 a magnitude 9.2–9.3 quake off Sumatra triggered a tsunami that killed about 227,898 people across 14 countries, exposing Indonesia’s position on the Sunda megathrust. The disaster spurred the Indian Ocean tsunami warning system and prompted BMKG and the National Disaster Management Agency to issue alerts for the recent 7.7-magnitude Flores quake, underscoring ongoing seismic risk.

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Story summary

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores island early on Aug 15 2026.
The shallow quake was about 10 km deep with its epicenter 68 km north-northwest of Ende.
The National Disaster Management Agency confirmed at least 47 deaths.
Hundreds fled to higher ground in Maumere, Nagekeo and nearby coastal towns.
BMKG issued a tsunami warning for four provinces, then lifted it after waves stayed under 1 metre.

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