Key facts
- A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit eastern Indonesia on August 15.
- The death toll has reached 100, with over 1,600 injured.
- More than 73,000 homes were damaged, and 180,000 people evacuated.
- Relief operations are ongoing, with aid distributed by various means.
- The earthquake triggered a tsunami with waves up to 1.61 meters.
The death toll from a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck eastern Indonesia on August 15 has risen to 100, according to the disaster agency chief. The quake, which occurred on August 15, 2026, at 05:58 WITA, was caused by movement on the Flores back-arc thrust fault and triggered a tsunami with a maximum recorded height of 1.61 meters. Thousands of aftershocks followed the main tremor, damaging over 73,000 homes and forcing the evacuation of approximately 180,000 people. Over 1,600 individuals were injured, with some succumbing to their injuries. Relief operations are ongoing, with aid being distributed using helicopters, trucks, and motorcycles. This earthquake is Indonesia's deadliest since 2022. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent seismic activity due to its location between major tectonic plates.