Five dead as 7.7‑magnitude quake rattles Indonesia

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:23:50 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A powerful earthquake on Flores killed at least five people, left buildings damaged, and triggered tsunami warnings that were later lifted.

A 7.7‑magnitude seismic event early Saturday morning slammed the island of Flores, Indonesia. Five residents died of crushed rubble at night and follow‑up aftershocks continued to shake the region. Rescue teams are working to clear debris and recover trapped inhabitants. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency advised citizens to avoid shorelines and damaged structures as the full extent of damage is assessed.

Five dead as 7.7‑magnitude quake rattles Indonesia

East Nusa Tenggara’s governor, Emanuel Laka Lena, confirmed that five residents died after the sudden shaking of a 7.7‑magnitude earthquake early Saturday.

The quake struck the island of Flores at a shallow depth of 15km a few minutes before 05:00 local time, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency.

Search‑and‑rescue crews are combing rubble‑filled buildings while dozens of aftershocks continue to buffet the area. A tsunami warning was issued but lifted three hours after the initial jolt.

Video from the Lorens Say Port in Maumere shows concrete chunks breaking loose as a ferry gangway collapsed, casting debris onto waiting passengers.

Around 2,000 residents of Nagekeo were evacuated, and many homes on the coast were shaken or damaged. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency urged people to stay away from beaches and to leave damaged structures.

An after‑shock of magnitude 6.1 was felt shortly after the main tremor, adding further concerns for safety.

Local accounts describe how residents fled inland, traveling on motorbikes or hiking over hills upon the tsunami warning issuance, evading the pulling sea.

The full extent of damage will take time to assess in the region’s remote, mountainous terrain. In the meantime, authorities are urging calm and caution as emergency teams work to recover survivors and clear debris.