Full Breakdown
Earthquake on Flores Island Triggers Massive Relief Effort and a Miraculous Three-Day Survival
8/20/2026, 8:15:02 PM
The 7.7-Magnitude Flores Earthquake and Immediate Damage
On August 15, a shallow 7.7-magnitude quake struck off the coast of Flores in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province. The shock triggered landslides that cut off villages in Manggarai, East Manggarai, Nagekeo and Sikka. Bamboo homes collapsed, roads were blocked, and power and communications were disrupted. Authorities recorded thousands of aftershocks. The tremor left tens of thousands homeless and sparked a tsunami warning that was later lifted.
Rescue of Paulina Pobi
In the remote village of Nitunglea (Sikka regency), Paulina Pobi was buried beneath the collapsed bamboo walls of her house. Because she is paralysed, she could not move or call for help. After landslides blocked access, her family cleared the debris three days later and found her alive but severely dehydrated. Police officer Bambang Supeno confirmed she was taken to the nearest health centre for rehydration.
Official Responses and Relief Efforts
The National Disaster Management Agency’s spokesperson Berton Panjaitan announced the deployment of additional military aircraft, ships and personnel to reach isolated communities. The agency reported that 398 tonnes of aid—including food, tents and shelters—had been transported to affected areas, though distribution was slowed by mountainous terrain and damaged roads.
President Prabowo Subianto ordered ministers to accelerate relief, directing “dozens of tons of supplies” to Flores and dispatching joint national teams. Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena declared a 14-day state of emergency and highlighted the urgent need for tents, food and water. Mohammad Syafii, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency, said helicopters were being used to evacuate victims and deliver supplies, especially to East Manggarai and Nagekeo.
Regional police chief Rudi Darmoko warned that displaced residents faced both physical injuries and mental-health challenges, emphasizing the need for child-focused support.
Data and Statistics
- Casualties: Reported death tolls vary—73 (Guardian, Independent), 53 (AP, China Daily), 68 (Al Jazeera), 54 (OpenTheMagazine).
- Injuries: Over 900 injured (Guardian, Independent); 64 (China Daily); 135 (AP).
- Displacement: Approximately 60,000 people displaced (Guardian, Independent); 12,800 unable to return home by the following Monday.
- Housing damage: More than 1,300 homes damaged; 5,000 homes destroyed or heavily damaged in East Nusa Tenggara.
- Aid distribution: 398 tonnes of relief; 1,725 basic food packages delivered to Sikka and Ende, plus 3,200 packages to Labuan Bajo.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The most notable discrepancy concerns the death toll, with sources reporting figures from 53 to 73. Injury counts also differ, ranging from 64 to over 900. Aftershock totals vary widely, reflecting differing thresholds for what is “felt.” No source provides a definitive final casualty count, indicating that verification is ongoing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We have cleared most landslides and reopened roads to previously isolated villages, although communication disruptions and power outages continue to hamper search efforts,” — Fathur Rahman, rescue official
- “As for help from the government, there hasn’t been any – no tents, no medicine, no food, no drinking water, nothing,” — Junaidin, mbay resident
