Flores, Indonesia. A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on August 15, 2026, causing widespread loss of life, displacement, and damage. The shallow offshore earthquake, centered about 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay in Nagekeo Regency at a depth of 15 kilometers, prompted a tsunami warning and was linked to activity along the Flores Back-Arc Thrust.
As of August 27, 111 people had died and 176,621 people remained displaced in temporary shelters. Homes, places of worship, educational institutions, offices, and other public facilities have suffered varying degrees of damage. BMKG had also recorded 8,486 aftershocks by the evening of August 27, with the strongest reaching magnitude 6.2.
The situation was compounded on August 27 when Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores erupted at around 8:30 a.m. local time, sending an ash column approximately 2,500 meters above the summit. The volcano remained at Alert Level III (Siaga), with authorities restricting activities within five kilometers of the eruption center and warning communities to remain vigilant against possible rain-triggered lahars.
The Claretian Missionaries have two communities on Flores: the Claretian Community of Sok in East Manggarai Regency and the Claretian Community of Pu’urere in Ende Regency. All Claretian missionaries serving in these communities are safe and well.
Amid fear, uncertainty, and trauma, especially among children, the Claretians continue to accompany affected families and offer a compassionate presence. The Ave Maria Province is raising funds and collecting assistance for the two communities, with immediate support focused primarily on food and drinking water.
Through this accompaniment, the Claretians seek to be a sign of solidarity, hope, and peace, assuring those affected that they are not alone. The Claretian family continues to pray for all who have suffered, for those who mourn loved ones, and for the recovery of the communities of Flores.
