A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off Indonesia’s Flores island early Saturday, killing at least 68 people and leaving hundreds injured as of Monday. Thousands have been displaced, while rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings for survivors and victims.
The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter about 42 miles northwest of Ende at a depth of roughly 6 miles. Approximately 2 million people experienced strong or violent shaking, and hundreds of aftershocks followed. Authorities declared a 14-day state of emergency, while President Prabowo Subianto observed a moment of silence during Indonesia’s Independence Day ceremony.
Damage has been reported across East Nusa Tenggara province. More than 4,500 homes, 122 health facilities, 252 schools and 84 places of worship were damaged. Small tsunamis reached 16 locations in four provinces, causing additional infrastructure damage before authorities lifted the warning. Landslides and blocked roads have complicated access, particularly in isolated communities near the epicenter.
The government has deployed more than 1,800 military and police personnel and delivered over 100 metric tons of aid by air and sea. Two field hospitals have opened in Ruteng, one of the hardest-hit areas. Officials have distributed food packages, medicine and clothing, but many displaced residents remain in temporary tents and need food, drinking water, bedding and medical care.
International and local relief groups are seeking public support for recovery operations. UNICEF is accepting donations for assistance to children and families, while World Central Kitchen is providing meals. GlobalGiving is raising money for food, clean water, shelter and health services, and World Vision is collecting funds for shelter kits.
Search and recovery operations are expected to continue as officials assess damage and respond to aftershocks. The disaster is Indonesia’s deadliest earthquake since 2022 and one of several earthquakes above magnitude 7 recorded internationally during the summer of 2026 as of Monday.