A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores region early Saturday, August 15, prompting evacuations, damaging homes and infrastructure, and affecting communities across East Nusa Tenggara. As emergency operations continue, Seventh-day Adventist leaders and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) are gathering information from affected areas to determine immediate needs and possible avenues for response.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the earthquake struck at 5:58 a.m. local time, with its epicenter about 68 kilometers (42 miles) north-northwest of Ende, East Nusa Tenggara. USGS placed the earthquake at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles).
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, known as BMKG, measured the earthquake at magnitude 7.7 and said it originated from activity along the Flores Back-Arc Thrust.
The earthquake destroyed homes and buildings across parts of Flores, while residents fled structures and moved away from coastal areas following an initial tsunami warning. Rescue and relief operations continued as authorities worked to reach affected communities.
By Sunday, authorities reported at least 53 deaths and more than 130 injuries. More than 1,350 homes sustained damage, while about 5,000 people sought temporary shelter. Landslides, damaged roads and communication disruptions have complicated efforts to reach some of the hardest-hit communities.
ADRA Teams Assess Community Needs
As communities begin dealing with the earthquake’s aftermath, ADRA teams are on the ground assessing conditions and preparing to respond to the needs of those affected.
ADRA said its teams are evaluating the situation as families face uncertainty and begin the difficult process of recovery. The humanitarian organization also called for prayers for those affected by the disaster.
The earthquake struck within the territory of the Nusa Tenggara Mission of Seventh-day Adventists, which oversees the church’s work throughout East Nusa Tenggara province. According to the latest available statistics, the mission had 98 organized churches and 6,956 members as of June 30, 2025.
The Nusa Tenggara Mission forms part of the Central Indonesia Union Mission, one of three major Adventist administrative territories serving Indonesia under the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. The Central Indonesia Union Mission covers Bali, most of Java, Kalimantan and Nusa Tenggara and reported 475 churches and 59,693 members as of June 2025.
Church leaders are coordinating with local pastors and congregations to better understand conditions in affected areas. Assessments include the safety and immediate needs of church members as well as conditions facing their neighbors and surrounding communities. Leaders are also gathering information about possible damage to churches and other denominational properties while considering how local congregations can support broader community needs.
The developing response reflects the Adventist Church’s emphasis on serving people beyond the walls of its congregations. Through ADRA and local churches, Adventists have often worked alongside communities and local authorities following disasters, providing humanitarian assistance based on need.
Several Adventist Churches Affected
According to reports from the local field, Pastor Denny Kanadjo, Communication director of the Nusa Tenggara Mission, said church leaders have received no reports of urgent basic needs among affected members at this time. The situation remains under control, and local pastors have reported no immediate difficulties in meeting members’ essential needs.
Church members in Labuan Bajo, Nagekeo, Maumere and Ruteng were among those affected by the earthquake. While several homes and church properties sustained structural damage, local reports indicate that no fatalities or injuries have been recorded among church members as of the latest assessment.
Reaching some affected families, however, remains challenging. Many members live in remote communities several dozen kilometers from accessible areas. Power outages have also disrupted telecommunications networks, making it difficult for church leaders to receive timely information and complete damage assessments.
“This morning, all pastors whose church members have been affected are visiting the affected areas to verify their safety and assess whether their basic needs are being met,” Kanadjo said.
Local church leaders continue to assess affected communities as access and communication improve. Further information on property damage and possible needs is expected as pastors reach more remote locations.
Living Along the Pacific Ring of Fire
Indonesia is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes because of its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an extensive zone of seismic and volcanic activity surrounding much of the Pacific Ocean. The movement and interaction of tectonic plates beneath and around the Indonesian archipelago contribute to the country’s frequent earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and occasional tsunamis.
The Flores region itself has a history of destructive seismic activity. BMKG said the Flores back-arc region has the potential to produce earthquakes approaching magnitude 7.8 to 7.9. Officials also pointed to the magnitude 7.5 Flores earthquake in 1992, which caused widespread destruction and generated a deadly tsunami.
Saturday’s earthquake again underscores the disaster risks faced by millions of people across the Indonesian archipelago, including communities where Adventist congregations live, worship and serve.
As assessments continue, ADRA personnel, church leaders, pastors and local congregations are evaluating needs and determining how they can support families and communities affected by the earthquake. The church continues to encourage prayers for those who lost loved ones, those displaced from their homes, emergency responders and communities beginning the long process of recovery.