At least 47 people have been killed after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia early Saturday, triggering tsunami waves, landslides and widespread damage across parts of East Nusa Tenggara.
Reuters reported on Saturday, August 15, 2026, citing Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), that rescue teams were still unable to reach Nagekeo, the area closest to the earthquake’s epicentre, after landslides blocked roads and disrupted communications.
The powerful earthquake was followed by dozens of aftershocks and caused strong shaking across several provinces. In Maumere, rescuers recovered 20 bodies and found six injured people, while two others were reportedly trapped under rubble, according to local rescue officials.
Authorities said tsunami waves of less than one metre (about three feet) were recorded in several areas. The tsunami warning was lifted about three hours after the earthquake as the immediate threat subsided.
Rescue operations have been complicated by damaged infrastructure and landslides. Officials said attempts to reach Nagekeo by road were blocked, while another rescue team was attempting to reach the area by ferry.
Around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo were evacuated, while authorities reported damage to homes, warehouses and government buildings, as well as power outages and traffic congestion.
Preliminary government figures showed that 157 homes were heavily damaged, 41 moderately damaged and 148 lightly damaged. Damage was also reported at 87 schools, 18 health facilities, five places of worship and six government office buildings.
East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said at least five people were killed when buildings collapsed while residents were sleeping.
Authorities said the full scale of the disaster remained unclear because rescue teams had not yet reached some of the hardest-hit areas. Officials were continuing search-and-rescue operations and assessing damage as communications and access routes were restored.
