Magnitude 7.7 earthquake — Ende, Indonesia
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the Flores region of eastern Indonesia at 21:58 UTC on 14 August (05:58 local time on 15 August). The US Geological Survey placed the epicentre about 68 kilometres north-north-west of Ende, at a depth of 10 kilometres; Indonesia’s BMKG assessed the event at 15 kilometres deep. Indonesian authorities said the shallow offshore earthquake was associated with the Flores Back-Arc Thrust and triggered a tsunami warning, which was later ended after monitoring. BMKG subsequently confirmed that a tsunami had occurred.
The earthquake caused extensive damage across Flores, including collapsed homes, disrupted power and communications, landslides and blocked roads. Initial casualty totals changed as rescue teams reached affected communities: the National Disaster Management Agency reported 47 deaths on the first day, while Associated Press reporting three days later cited at least 70 deaths, nearly 1,200 injuries and thousands of displaced people. Aftershocks continued, complicating recovery efforts and leaving many residents reluctant to return home.
- The M7.7 earthquake struck north-west of Ende shortly before 22:00 UTC on 14 August.
- A tsunami warning was issued and later lifted; BMKG confirmed tsunami effects.
- By 18 August, reports put the toll at at least 70 dead, nearly 1,200 injured and thousands displaced.