Update on M 7.7 NTT Earthquake: 20 Dead, 6 Injured
A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake shook eastern Indonesia in the early hours of Saturday (15/8/2026). The disaster, accompanied by dozens of aftershocks, claimed at least 20 lives, according to Basarnas.
Small tsunami waves of less than 1 metre were detected at several points before the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) eventually lifted the tsunami early warning around three hours after the main tremor.
A joint SAR team in the port area of Maumere, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), reported that evacuation efforts are still ongoing. Head of Basarnas Maumere, Fathur Rahman, said that so far 20 people have been found dead, six injured, and two residents remain buried under rubble.
Access to the nearest point to the earthquake epicentre in Nagekeo Regency remains completely paralysed. Land routes are blocked by landslide material, while communication signals are cut off. Rescue teams are now racing against time trying to reach the location by sea using ferries.
Latest data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded that at least 2,000 residents of Nagekeo have been evacuated. A number of houses, warehouses, and public facilities were reported to be severely damaged, accompanied by total power outages and traffic congestion.
NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena confirmed that most of the victims died after being struck by building debris while sleeping soundly.
The powerful shaking, lasting approximately one minute, was felt as far as West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and South Sulawesi. In Ende Regency, a hospital was forced to evacuate all patients to an open area to anticipate aftershocks.
BMKG recorded that the shallow earthquake, with a depth of 15 km, occurred at 04.58 WIB. Historical records show that this region was hit by a deadly M 7.5 earthquake in 1992.
Although it triggered danger alarms in surrounding areas, the Australian Tsunami Warning Centre confirmed that the event had no impact on Australian mainland or territories.
Indonesia, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is indeed prone to high seismic activity due to the collision of the world’s active tectonic plates.