JAKARTA, August 24, 2026: The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia on August 15 has risen to 100 as emergency teams continue relief operations across affected communities in East Nusa Tenggara province.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said 1,603 people had been injured and more than 180,000 remained displaced. The death toll increased after some patients receiving medical treatment died from their injuries.
The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Flores region at 4:58 a.m. local time. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) placed its epicentre in the sea about 30 kilometres northeast of Mbay in Nagekeo Regency, at a depth of 15 kilometres.
The disaster affected communities across Flores, including Nagekeo, Ngada, Manggarai, East Manggarai, Sikka and surrounding districts. More than 73,000 homes were damaged, according to the latest figures reported by BNPB. Schools, healthcare facilities and roads were also affected, while landslides and communications disruptions initially isolated some settlements.
Thousands of aftershocks have followed the main earthquake. BNPB had recorded 4,258 aftershocks by August 21, including one with a magnitude of 6.2. Continued seismic activity has made some residents reluctant to return to damaged homes.
Search, evacuation and relief operations entered their tenth day on Monday. Authorities were distributing food, drinking water, medicines, tents, mattresses and other essential supplies using helicopters, trucks, ships and motorcycles, Reuters reported.
BNPB said 954 tonnes of aid had been transported to East Nusa Tenggara between August 15 and August 22 through logistics centres in Labuan Bajo and Maumere. Reaching remote villages and island communities remains difficult because of rugged terrain, damaged transport links and the distance between evacuation sites.
Relief agencies are continuing to verify casualty and damage reports. In one sign of gradual recovery, BNPB said 237 displaced people staying at the Samador sports hall in Maumere returned to their homes on Monday. Thousands of other families remain in temporary shelters while authorities assess damaged housing and prepare longer-term assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the latest death toll from the 2026 Indonesia earthquake?
As of August 24, 2026, the death toll has reached 100, with 1,603 injured and more than 180,000 displaced.
Where was the epicentre of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake?
The epicentre was located in the sea about 30 kilometres northeast of Mbay in Nagekeo Regency, Flores, at a depth of 15 kilometres.
How many aftershocks have been recorded following the Indonesia earthquake?
Indonesia's disaster management agency, BNPB, had recorded 4,258 aftershocks by August 21, including a significant magnitude 6.2 tremor.
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