Flores Quake Disrupts Komodo Travel
August magnitude 7.7 earthquake kills at least 20, records tsunami waves, and damages communities near Labuan Bajo
What Changed
Who It Affects
A magnitude 7.7 quake in Flores has killed at least 20, recorded tsunami waves, and disrupted travel near Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park.
International travellers heading for Flores and Komodo National Park are facing serious disruption after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores region on 2026-08-15. At least 20 people have been reported killed, tsunami waves were recorded, and dozens of aftershocks have followed. Damage has been reported in several communities, including around Labuan Bajo, the key gateway for Komodo tours, diving trips, and island-hopping itineraries. Rescue operations and safety assessments are continuing, so travel conditions may change quickly.
What Happened in Flores
The earthquake hit one of Indonesia’s most tourism-sensitive regions, where many international visitors arrive via Labuan Bajo before joining Komodo National Park cruises, dive boats, and overland trips. Tsunami waves were recorded after the quake, adding urgency for coastal communities and travellers staying near beaches, ports, and waterfront hotels. Dozens of aftershocks mean the situation remains unstable, even in places where the first tremor caused limited visible damage. Local authorities are still assessing roads, buildings, harbours, communications, and essential services.
Why Labuan Bajo Travellers Should Be Cautious
Labuan Bajo is not just another coastal town; it is the main access point for Komodo National Park and a base for liveaboard boats, day cruises, diving, snorkelling, and wildlife tours. Even if your hotel or tour operator says they are open, surrounding infrastructure may still be under inspection. Harbours can be affected by tsunami advisories, floating debris, damaged jetties, fuel supply interruptions, or official movement controls. Travellers should avoid assuming that a confirmed booking means a trip will run exactly as planned.
Immediate Safety Steps if You Are Already There
If you are already in Flores, move away from damaged buildings, steep slopes, seawalls, and coastal edges unless local authorities say the area is safe. Keep shoes, a torch, a power bank, bottled water, medication, passport, and cash within reach in case you need to relocate quickly. Aftershocks can happen without warning, so do not re-enter cracked buildings or return to waterfront areas simply because the first shaking has stopped. Follow instructions from hotel staff, local disaster officials, police, port authorities, and your embassy or consulate.
Practical Tips
- Tip 1: Contact your airline, hotel, tour operator, or liveaboard company before travelling to Labuan Bajo or Flores, as airport transfers, port access, boat departures, and local roads may be disrupted while inspections continue.
- Tip 2: Avoid coastal areas, beaches, harbours, and low-lying waterfront accommodation until Indonesian authorities confirm tsunami risk and aftershock impacts have passed for your specific location.
- Tip 3: If you are already in Flores, keep your phone charged, follow hotel or local authority instructions, and identify open ground away from damaged buildings, steep slopes, seawalls, and overhead cables.
- Tip 4: Build flexibility into your itinerary by delaying non-essential Komodo tours, booking refundable accommodation, and allowing extra time for connections through Bali, Jakarta, or other Indonesian hubs.
Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Mistake 1: Assuming Komodo tours will run as normal, because boat operators may pause departures for harbour checks, crew safety, fuel access, or official restrictions.
- ✕Mistake 2: Travelling to damaged areas for photos or sightseeing, which can obstruct rescue work and expose you to unstable buildings, landslides, broken roads, or further aftershocks.
- ✕Mistake 3: Ignoring aftershocks after the first quake, as secondary tremors can damage already weakened structures and may trigger localised rockfalls or coastal hazards.
- ✕Mistake 4: Cancelling flights or hotels without checking refund rules first, because voluntary cancellations may reduce your ability to claim refunds, rebooking support, or insurance reimbursement.
Quick Checklist
- Confirm flight status for Labuan Bajo and any Indonesia domestic connections
- Check official Indonesian disaster and tsunami updates before moving locations
- Keep passport, cash, medication, power bank, and travel insurance details with you
- Verify whether your hotel, dive centre, or boat operator is operating safely
- Have a backup route through Bali, Jakarta, or another Indonesian hub ready
