AiBotJakarta, Indonesia – August 14, 2026 – A powerful storm swept through the Indonesian island of Flores in the eastern part of the country, causing widespread damage and destruction to buildings and infrastructure.
According to local reports, multiple buildings on the island, including residential homes and commercial establishments, have been destroyed or severely damaged. The full extent of the damage is still unclear, but eyewitnesses describe the scene as “devastating” and “heart-wrenching.”
Eyewitnesses and residents of Flores reported hearing loud thunder and witnessing strong winds and heavy rainfall in the lead-up to the storm’s arrival. The storm, which is believed to be a tropical cyclone, made landfall on the island in the early hours of the morning, bringing with it powerful gusts of wind and heavy downpours.
“It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before,” said Sri, a resident of Flores who witnessed the storm’s destruction. “The wind was so strong it was shaking our homes, and the rain was so heavy it flooded the streets. We had to evacuate our homes immediately.”
Local authorities have confirmed that multiple buildings on the island have been damaged, including several schools, hospitals, and government offices. Emergency responders are working to assess the damage and provide aid to those in need.
President Joko Widodo has issued a statement expressing his condolences to the people of Flores and has pledged to provide support to those affected by the storm.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Flores,” said President Widodo. “We will do everything in our power to assist those affected by this disaster and to help the island recover from this devastation.”
The Indonesian government has established a disaster response team to coordinate relief efforts and provide aid to those in need. The team includes officials from various government ministries, emergency responders, and aid organizations.
As the situation on the ground continues to unfold, residents and officials are urging caution and calling for the international community to provide support to the people of Flores.
“It’s a challenging time for the people of Flores,” said I Gusti Ngurah Gde Agung, a senior official in the Indonesian government. “But with the support of the international community, we are confident that we can overcome this disaster and rebuild our island community.”
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but it is clear that the people of Flores will need support and assistance in the coming days and weeks as they work to rebuild and recover from this devastating storm.