A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck eastern Indonesia on Saturday, August 15, 2026, causing severe damage across parts of Flores Island. The quake was shallow, with its epicentre close to Nagekeo, which made the shaking particularly destructive.
The worst damage has been reported across Flores, where homes, schools and health facilities were damaged or destroyed and landslides blocked several roads. Indonesia’s disaster agency BNPB has confirmed at least 47 deaths, while later reports citing Indonesian authorities put the toll at 51. More than 9,000 people have been displaced.
The earthquake also triggered a tsunami
Shortly after the main earthquake, Indonesia’s BMKG issued a tsunami warning for several parts of eastern Indonesia.
Small tsunami waves were actually recorded at a number of locations, but no major tsunami developed and the warning was later lifted. The strongest effects were concentrated around Flores and neighbouring islands.
For travellers in Bali and Lombok, there is currently no tsunami warning connected to this earthquake.
Was the earthquake felt in Bali?
Yes, although the shaking in Bali was relatively weak.
BMKG recorded an intensity of around II–III MMI in Denpasar and Badung. At this level, some people may notice light shaking indoors or see hanging objects move slightly, but damage would not normally be expected.
So far, no significant damage has been reported in Bali as a result of the Flores earthquake.
Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport also continued operating normally following the earthquake, including flights between Bali and destinations in East Nusa Tenggara.
For visitors currently in Bali, there is therefore no reason to change travel plans solely because of this earthquake.
What about Lombok and the Gili Islands?
The shaking was stronger in Lombok than in Bali.
BMKG recorded intensity III MMI in West Lombok and Mataram, with similar shaking felt in East Lombok. This was strong enough for many people to notice, but still far below the intensity experienced in the worst-hit parts of Flores.
There are currently no reports of widespread earthquake damage on Lombok itself, and the most serious effects in West Nusa Tenggara were reported farther east towards Sumbawa.
There have also been no confirmed reports of significant damage on Gili Trawangan, Gili Air or Gili Meno related to the earthquake.
Aftershocks are still continuing
The main earthquake was followed by hundreds of aftershocks, including several strong ones. Indonesian authorities had recorded around 341 aftershocks by Sunday, and seismic activity around Flores is continuing.
The earthquake is linked to the Flores Back-Arc Thrust, an active fault system running through this highly seismic part of Indonesia.
For now, the situation on Bali and Lombok remains normal, while rescue operations and damage assessments continue across Flores.
