Shafaqna English– Official reports released on Sunday(16 Aug 2026) confirmed that a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the eastern region of Indonesia, prompting the immediate evacuation of approximately 5,000 residents from high-risk zones.
The tremors, which lasted for several seconds, have resulted in a confirmed death toll of at least 53 people, while dozens more remain unaccounted for in remote villages. Critical transportation networks have been severely disrupted, with major roads blocked by debris and collapsed structures, while mountainous areas have experienced multiple landslides that have isolated entire communities.
According to local authorities, over 130 individuals have sustained injuries, with a significant portion suffering from fractures and broken bones—a clear indication of the violent shaking and widespread structural failures during the quake.
Source: Reuters