On 15 August 2026, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Flores, Indonesia, claiming more than 135 lives, injuring 1,735 people and forcing 72,864 people to evacuate their homes. Continued aftershocks and disruptions to electricity, telecommunications and road access added to the fear and uncertainty faced by affected families.
The earthquake struck communities that were already facing water scarcity, food insecurity and high rates of child malnutrition. For children, the loss of a safe home and familiar routines also increased the risk of distress, separation and harm.
World Vision has worked alongside communities in Flores for many years through child sponsorship and community development programmes. This long-standing presence enabled our teams to work quickly with local authorities, humanitarian partners, church networks, universities and community-based organisations to assess urgent needs and support affected communities in the aftermath of the earthquake. All area development programmes that World Vision is operating in as well as the homes of staff members and partners, were affected by this earthquake.
As of 7 September 2026, World Vision had reached 16,259 people, including 8,186 children, with emergency shelter, clean water and hygiene supplies, nutrition assistance, child protection and psychosocial support.
Providing Emergency Shelter and Essential Supplies
Families who had fled damaged homes needed immediate protection and basic items to live while being displaced.
- 540 tarpaulins were distributed to villages, schools, early childhood education centres and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) sites across areas in Central Flores and the Manggarai Raya.
- 361 shelter kits were distributed across 15 villages and evacuation sites in Central Flores. Each kit included a tarpaulin, rope, plastic mats, blankets, sheets, a portable solar LED charger, a document bag and a plastic sack.
- 159 family kits containing toothbrushes and toothpaste for children and adults, towels, soap, shampoo, sanitary pads and a water bucket were distributed in Manggarai and East Manggarai.
- 27 baby kits containing socks, hat, towel, blanket, diapers and a baby carrier were provided to the Mbay City Community Health Centre in Central Flores.
- 20 educational kits containing stationery, art and craft supplies, and play equipment were supplied to sites conducting psychosocial support sessions for children in Central Flores.
Bringing Clean Water and Hygiene Supplies to Displaced Families
With water access disrupted, safe water and basic hygiene items were essential to protect families living in crowded evacuation sites from illness.
- 345,900 litres of clean water were delivered across 21 villages and evacuation sites in Central Flores and the Manggarai areas.
- Four water storage tanks were provided: two with a capacity of 2,300 litres each in Manggarai District and two with a capacity of 1,200 litres each in Central Flores.
- 565 hygiene kits containing toothpaste, toothbrushes and towels were distributed across Central Flores, West Manggarai and East Manggarai.
- 239 child hygiene kits containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, soap and cup were distributed in Central Flores.
- A further 105 towels were distributed across affected locations in Central Flores.
Helping Children Feel Safe Again
For children who experienced the fear and disruption of the earthquake, recovery involves more than meeting physical needs. Safe, structured activities give them child-friendly space to play, learn, reconnect with others and begin processing what they have been through.
- 100 volunteers across three districts in Central Flores were trained to provide psychosocial support to affected children.
- 257 children took part in psychosocial support programmes across four locations.
- 2,397 children are attending psychosocial support sessions at 28 active sites across three districts in Central Flores.
Through age-appropriate activities, these sessions offer a safe and caring environment where they can regain a sense of routine and hope after the disaster, building on their self-confidence and motor skills.
Protecting Young Children from Malnutrition
The emergency placed further pressure on families already struggling with food insecurity and child malnutrition. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) kitchens were established to ensure children under five could continue receiving nutritious, home-cooked meals when families had limited access to food and cooking facilities.
- 22 Infant and Young Child Feeding cooking sites were established across the affected areas.
- 15 sites in Manggarai, East Manggarai and West Manggarai served 419 children.
- Seven sites in Central Flores served 360 children.
- 48 trays of eggs were distributed in the Manggarai area to provide children with a nutritious source of protein.
By providing meals designed for the needs of young children, these kitchens are helping to prevent and address malnutrition during a critical period of displacement and uncertainty
Thank You for Standing with the Children and Families of Flores
Your support helped families receive access to clean water, essential supplies, and nutritious meals for young children. It also created safe spaces where children could play, learn and overcome the trauma from the earthquake.
As communities continue to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the earthquake, World Vision remains committed to working alongside children and families in Flores, to help them regain safety, stability and hope.
Support Children Beyond the Crisis Towards Recovery
Emergency relief has helped children and families through the first difficult weeks after the earthquake. But rebuilding lives will take much longer.
For children, the impact of a disaster can continue long after the tremors have stopped. Families may struggle to recover their livelihoods, children’s education may be disrupted, and the fear of what they experienced can stay with them.
Through Child Sponsorship, you can walk alongside a child in Ende over the next two years, helping them continue their education, receive nutrition support and access the care they need to cope with the emotional impact of the disaster.
Your monthly support can give a child something steady to hold on to as their family and community rebuild.
