LSN News › India

World · India Bureau

Indonesian woman delivers baby by torchlight during massive earthquake

A pregnant woman in Indonesia gave birth during a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake, with medical staff forced to rely on torchlight as the tremor disrupted power supply. The mother and newborn were reported to be in stable condition following the dramatic delivery.

LSN India · 18 August 2026

Indonesian woman delivers baby by torchlight during massive earthquake

An Indonesian woman delivered her baby under torchlight during a severe earthquake that struck the region, highlighting the dangers faced by expectant mothers in disaster-prone areas. The 7.7 magnitude tremor caused widespread disruptions, including power outages that left medical facilities operating in darkness during the critical moments of childbirth.

The woman was admitted to a medical facility when labour began, but the powerful earthquake struck during the delivery process. With electricity cut off across the area, healthcare workers used torchlight to assist with the birth, demonstrating the challenges faced by medical personnel during natural disasters in the region.

Both mother and child were reported to be in good health following the delivery, despite the extraordinary circumstances. The incident underscores the vulnerability of healthcare services in earthquake-prone Indonesia and the resilience of medical staff who continue to provide care during emergencies.

The earthquake caused significant damage across the affected region, with authorities assessing the full extent of casualties and infrastructure damage. Indonesia, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent seismic activity and remains one of the world's most earthquake-prone nations.