News Alert: Mercy Corps Ready to Respond as Flores Earthquake Toll Rises

August 18, 2026

JAKARTA — Three days after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores, in Indonesia, 70 people have been killed and 305 injured, according to the Indonesian government. Nearly 20,000 people have been displaced. Almost 8,000 homes and 744 public facilities and infrastructure sites have been damaged across seven regions.

In the worst-hit areas, people are sheltering at displacement sites as aftershocks continue. Damaged roads and bridges are cutting access to inland communities, while damage to 319 schools and 124 health facilities is disrupting education and healthcare.

Mercy Corps’ Indonesia Response Team is mobilizing experienced responders and coordinating with local partners to support impacted communities. The team is preparing to deploy to the areas of greatest need, with clean water, sanitation, emergency shelter, hygiene supplies, and cooking kits.

Mercy Corps Indonesia Executive Director, Ade Soekadis, says:

“Nearly 20,000 people have been forced from their homes in only three days, and displacement has increased almost fivefold in the past 48 hours. Families are sheltering at displacement sites while the ground continues to shake. Roads are cut, bridges are damaged, and some inland communities are becoming increasingly difficult to reach.

“Families need safe shelter, clean water, sanitation, and places to cook. At the same time, damaged schools and health centers are disrupting the services people urgently need. We are mobilizing experienced responders and working through trusted local partners so assistance can reach people as quickly and safely as possible. ”

 

Mercy Corps has worked in Indonesia for over 25 years. Our Indonesia Response Team has responded to over 20 disasters, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.

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