Indonesia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 51 as Thousands Evacuate in East Nusa Tenggara

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — The death toll from a powerful magnitude-7.7 earthquake in eastern Indonesia has risen to at least 51, while around 5,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas in East Nusa Tenggara.

The earthquake struck on Saturday morning and was followed by about 341 aftershocks. Authorities said 36 people suffered serious injuries, while another 77 sustained minor injuries.

In Sikka alone, more than 3,300 residents either evacuated on their own or took shelter at a sports arena. Many people spent the night outside their homes because they were afraid of further tremors and possible building collapses.

Landslides and debris blocked several roads, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach some communities. Search-and-rescue personnel later gained access to parts of Maumere that had initially been cut off. More than 1,300 homes were damaged, while authorities said some missing people were believed to be trapped under rubble.

The Indonesian government has deployed more than 3,500 military and police personnel to support evacuation, rescue and relief operations. East Nusa Tenggara authorities are also considering declaring a provincial emergency to allow faster mobilisation of resources and funding.

Infrastructure was also disrupted by the disaster. State energy company Pertamina said 20 petrol stations were unable to operate because of power outages, while residents in several areas faced disruptions to electricity and communications.

The affected region has a history of major seismic activity. A magnitude-7.5 earthquake struck the same area in 1992, causing widespread destruction. Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity frequently triggers earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Emergency teams continue to search damaged communities as authorities assess the full scale of casualties, infrastructure damage and humanitarian needs.