A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Flores island in east Indonesia on Aug 15, killing at least 20 people and injuring six others, according to Maumere search and rescue official Fathur Rahman.
Seismic Impact and Tsunami Alerts in East Nusa Tenggara
The epicentre was located 68km north-west of the coastal town of Ende, according to the USGS and Indonesian authorities. BMKG recorded the initial shock at 4.58am local time, which was followed by a magnitude 6.1 aftershock in the same region.
Initial warnings from BMKG urged residents to move to higher ground, predicting tsunami waves between 0.5m and 3m. While waves under 1m were recorded in several areas, official Wijayanto confirmed the tsunami warning was lifted approximately three hours after the event. Australia’s tsunami warning centre stated the quake posed no threat to the Australian mainland or its territories.
Did you know? Indonesia sits on the “Ring of Fire,” a massive arc of seismic activity stretching from Japan through South-east Asia. This location makes the region one of the most earthquake-prone areas on Earth.
Casualties and Infrastructure Damage in Maumere and Ende
Search and rescue official Fathur Rahman reported that while 20 deaths are confirmed, two people remain buried under rubble. In Maumere, the main town of Sikka Regency, verified Reuters footage from a local port showed buildings collapsing into dust as residents fled into the streets.
The National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) reported that strong shaking lasted roughly one minute across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, and parts of South Sulawesi. In Nagekeo, approximately 2,000 residents evacuated their homes. BNPB further noted damage to government facilities, warehouses, and residential houses, alongside power outages and traffic congestion within the regency.
Emergency responses included the evacuation of patients from a hospital in the Ende district, as captured by Kompas TV footage. Kompas.com also reported at least one landslide resulting from the tremor.
Comparison of Recent Major Indonesian Seismic Events
This event follows a pattern of high-magnitude disasters in the archipelago. The scale of destruction varies based on magnitude and the resulting tsunami activity:
| Event/Location | Magnitude | Reported Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Sumatra (2004) | 9.1 | 220,000 dead region-wide |
| Palu, Sulawesi (2018) | 7.5 | 4,300+ dead or missing |
| Lombok (2018) | Various | 550+ dead |
| Flores (Aug 15) | 7.7 | 20+ dead; 2,000 evacuated |
Eyewitness Accounts of the Tremor
Nona, a 51-year-old resident of Talibura village, described the shock as “massive,” stating that 13 family members had to run from their home to survive. In Nagekeo, 56-year-old Yohanes Babo reported being at a market when the shaking began, describing the scene as one of panic with people running toward the hills for safety.
Safety Note: During an earthquake, official guidance generally recommends “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” if indoors, or moving to an open area away from buildings and power lines if outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the magnitude of the Flores earthquake?
The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.7, according to US and Indonesian authorities.
Was there a tsunami after the quake?
Yes, tsunami waves of less than 1m were recorded in several areas, though the official warning was lifted three hours later.
How many people were killed?
Maumere search and rescue official Fathur Rahman confirmed at least 20 deaths.
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