Indonesia earthquake death toll rises to 70; India offers full assistance
Synopsis
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia's East Nusa Tenggara province on 15 August has killed 70 people, injured 132, and displaced more than 5,000. India's MEA has formally offered all possible assistance — and with 2,357 aftershocks already recorded and the strongest hitting magnitude 6.2, the humanitarian challenge in the Flores region is far from over.
Key Takeaways
India's MEA on 18 August formally condoled Indonesia earthquake deaths and pledged all possible relief and rescue assistance.
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara province on 15 August , with its epicentre near Mbay, Nagekeo regency .
Death toll has risen to 70 ; 132 others were injured, including 40 with serious injuries.
More than 5,000 people remain displaced in evacuation centres across the province.
2,357 aftershocks recorded in the Flores region by 3 pm Tuesday ; the strongest measured magnitude 6.2 .
Helicopters have been deployed to isolated areas to transport medical personnel and evacuate residents.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday, 18 August expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives in a devastating earthquake in Indonesia and reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment to extending all possible assistance in relief and rescue efforts.
India's Official Response
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, conveyed solidarity with the Indonesian people. 'Indonesia has been hit by a major earthquake in which a large number of people have been killed and many others injured. Many more people have been rendered homeless. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and convey our condolences for the precious lives lost. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those who have been injured and for the safety of those involved in rescue and relief efforts,' Jaiswal stated.
He added: 'In this difficult hour, India stands in solidarity with Indonesia, and we remain committed to extending all possible assistance in support of relief and rescue efforts in the country.'
Scale of the Disaster
According to Indonesian authorities, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara province on 15 August, with its epicentre near Mbay in Nagekeo regency. The death toll has climbed to 70, with 132 others reported injured. Bramantyo, Operations Director of Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency, confirmed that 40 of the injured sustained serious injuries while 92 suffered minor ones.
More than 5,000 people remain displaced across evacuation centres in the province. With no further reports of missing persons, search and rescue teams have shifted focus to area sweeping and recovery support, now led by the National Disaster Management Agency.
Aftershock Activity Remains Intense
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency recorded 2,357 aftershocks in the Flores region as of 3 pm Tuesday. The strongest aftershock measured magnitude 6.2, while 24 aftershocks exceeded magnitude 5 and 72 were felt by residents, according to reports.
This comes amid a broader pattern of seismic vulnerability in the region — Indonesia sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and experiences some of the world's highest earthquake frequency. Notably, the Flores Sea area has a documented history of destructive seismic events, making the ongoing aftershock sequence a continued concern for displaced communities.
Relief Operations Under Way
The national search and rescue agency has deployed helicopters to reach isolated areas, ferrying medical personnel and evacuating residents requiring urgent treatment. Recovery operations are being coordinated centrally by the National Disaster Management Agency, with ground teams conducting systematic sweeps across affected zones.
As international offers of assistance begin to arrive, the scale of displacement and the intensity of aftershocks suggest relief operations will extend well beyond the immediate search phase.
Point of View
357 aftershocks also underscore a structural gap in regional disaster preparedness: East Nusa Tenggara is among Indonesia's least-resourced provinces, and the displacement of 5,000-plus people in such terrain makes logistics the defining constraint, not intent.
NationPress
18 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did India say about the Indonesia earthquake?
India's Ministry of External Affairs, through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, formally condoled the loss of lives on 18 August and stated that India stands in solidarity with Indonesia and remains committed to extending all possible assistance in relief and rescue efforts.
How strong was the Indonesia earthquake and where did it strike?
The earthquake measured magnitude 7.7 and struck East Nusa Tenggara province on 15 August, with its epicentre near Mbay in Nagekeo regency. It is among the most powerful earthquakes to hit the Flores region in recent years.
What is the current death toll from the Indonesia earthquake?
According to Indonesian authorities, the death toll has risen to 70, with 132 others injured — 40 seriously and 92 with minor injuries. More than 5,000 people remain displaced in evacuation centres.
How many aftershocks have been recorded after the Indonesia earthquake?
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency recorded 2,357 aftershocks in the Flores region as of 3 pm Tuesday. The strongest measured magnitude 6.2, and 24 exceeded magnitude 5.
What relief operations are under way in East Nusa Tenggara?
The National Search and Rescue Agency has deployed helicopters to isolated areas to transport medical personnel and evacuate residents needing treatment. Overall recovery operations are now being led by the National Disaster Management Agency, with search teams conducting systematic area sweeps.
