Major M7.7 earthquake hits Flores region, Indonesia, tsunami potential reported

Epicenter of M7.7 earthquake in Flores Region, Indonesia on August 14, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google The epicenter was located 70 km (45 miles) NNW of Ende (population 87 269), 100 km (60 miles) WNW of Maumere (population 87 720), 105 km (65 miles) ENE of Ruteng (population 41 533), 165 km (100 miles) E of Labuan Bajo (population 188 724), and 325 km (200 miles) NW of Kupang (population 442 758), East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. 56 000 people are estimated to have felt severe shaking, 420 000 very strong, 1 171 000 strong, 2 712 000 moderate, 11 167 000 light and 25 000 weak. BMKG said tsunami waves were possible based on modeling and placed 22 areas under Alert status across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi and Southeast Sulawesi. Estimated tsunami arrival times ranged from to UTC ( to WIB on August 15). Alert areas included North Manggarai, Northern Ngada, the northern part of West Manggarai, North Ende, Ende Island, North Sikka, Sikka Island and northeastern Flores in East Nusa Tenggara; Sangiang Island, Gili Island, North Bima City and North Dompu in West Nusa Tenggara; Selayar, Jeneponto, Bantaeng, Takalar, Bone, Wajo, East Luwu, North Luwu and Palopo City in South Sulawesi; and Bau-Bau City in Southeast Sulawesi. BMKG advised local governments in areas under Alert status to immediately direct residents to evacuate and to stay away from beaches and riverbanks. The USGS issued a Yellow alert for shaking-related fatalities and economic losses. Some casualties and damage are possible and the impact should be relatively localized. Past yellow alerts have required a local or regional level response. Estimated economic losses are less than 1% of GDP of Indonesia. Overall, the population in this region resides in structures that are vulnerable to earthquake shaking, though resistant structures exist. The predominant vulnerable building types are unreinforced brick with concrete floor and precast concrete frame with wall construction. Recent earthquakes in this area have caused secondary hazards such as tsunamis and landslides that might have contributed to losses. Epicenter of M7.7 earthquake in Flores Region, Indonesia on August 14, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google Epicenter of M7.7 earthquake in Flores Region, Indonesia on August 14, 2026. Credit: TW/SAM, Google According to USGS data, the quake was followed three aftershocks by UTC – M5.9 at UTC, M5.6 at UTC, and M6.1 at UTC. Epicenter of M7.7 earthquake in Flores Region, Indonesia on August 14, 2026 and aftershocks. Credit: TW/SAM, Google Estimated population exposure to earthquake shaking Selected cities exposed Regional seismicity References: 1 M7.7 earthquake 68 km NNW of Ende, Indonesia – USGS – August 14, 2026 2 M7.7 earthquake Flores Region, Indonesia – EMSC – August 14, 2026 Teo Blašković I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers.