Emergency Relief for Families Affected by The Indonesia Earthquake

Indonesia Earthquake Emergency: 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Flores, Help Families Affected

What should have been a peaceful morning turned into panic for communities across East Nusa Tenggara. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Flores on Saturday, 15 August 2026, at 4:58 a.m. WIB. According to BMKG, the epicentre was located offshore, around 30 kilometres northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, at a depth of 15 kilometres.

Strong tremors were felt across Flores Island. Residents rushed out of their homes and buildings in search of safety. Initial reports from the field indicate that homes and public facilities were damaged in several areas, including Sikka, Maumere, Ruteng, and surrounding communities. The waiting area at Maumere Port was reported to have collapsed, while damage to other buildings was also recorded in a number of locations. Assessments of the number of people affected and the extent of the damage are still ongoing.

The earthquake also triggered a tsunami warning for parts of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi, and Southeast Sulawesi. Based on BMKG’s initial modelling, several coastal areas in NTT, including northern Manggarai, northern Ngada, Ende, and Sikka, were placed under an elevated alert.

Tsunami waves were later detected at several monitoring points. In Maurole, Ende Regency, a wave of approximately 0.94 metres was recorded, while observations showed around 0.36 metres in Labuan Bajo, 0.19 metres in Sikka, and 0.17 metres in Dompu. Residents in several coastal communities moved to higher ground as a precaution.

BMKG has since lifted the tsunami warning. However, communities are still advised to remain alert for possible aftershocks and to continue following official information from the government and relevant authorities. Following the main earthquake, BMKG recorded a number of aftershocks, including a magnitude 6.2 earthquake near Nagekeo and several others above magnitude 5.

Behind every damaged building is a family now facing fear and uncertainty. Children have had to leave their homes. Parents are doing everything they can to keep their families safe. Many people remain outside buildings, afraid that another strong tremor may come.

Right now, the urgent needs of affected communities must be assessed and addressed as quickly as possible. Emergency assistance such as ready-to-eat meals, clean water, hygiene kits, family kits, emergency shelter, and other essential supplies can provide critical support to families affected by the disaster. The type and location of assistance will be determined based on field assessments and the most urgent needs of each community.

Through this campaign, Human Initiative invites supporters around the world to stand with communities affected by the NTT earthquake. Your support can help ensure that families who have lost their sense of safety do not have to face this emergency alone.

A single donation can help provide a meal for a family staying in a safe place, essential supplies for those forced to leave their homes, and vital support as communities make it through the first critical days after the disaster.

Today, families in East Nusa Tenggara need our support.

Stand with them today. Send urgent assistance to communities affected by the NTT earthquake and help families survive the emergency, recover, and begin rebuilding their lives.