7.7 Magnitude Earthquake in NTT: Two Dead in Sikka
Two people have been reported dead and one injured after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake shook Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Saturday (15/8) at 04.58 WIB.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), through its operations control centre and all regional disaster management agencies (BPBD) affected by the tremor, continues to monitor the situation. They are also coordinating with relevant parties to assess the condition of communities and the impact caused. Based on a preliminary report from the Sikka Military District Command, the earthquake affected the El Say Port area in Sikka Regency.
“The two fatalities consist of one male and one female. The victim data is still being verified and further recorded by teams in the field,” said the Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, on Saturday (15/8).
A joint team is still carrying out evacuation at the scene. The BNPB and the Sikka Regency BPBD continue to coordinate with relevant parties to handle victims and ensure the condition of communities around the affected areas.
In Nagekeo Regency, the earthquake was felt very strongly for approximately one minute. Most residents felt the tremor and rushed out of their homes. The Nagekeo Regency BPBD is coordinating with relevant agencies following the tsunami early warning and evacuating communities in coastal areas.
“Similar conditions were reported in Sikka Regency and West Manggarai Regency. Residents felt the earthquake very strongly for approximately one minute and most people left their homes. The BPBD in both regions are coordinating with relevant parties and directing the evacuation of communities in coastal areas,” he said.
The earthquake was also felt in Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara, as well as several areas in South Sulawesi, including Jeneponto Regency, Selayar Islands Regency and Maros Regency. Residents in some of these areas also felt the tremor and some rushed out of their homes.
Following the main earthquake, several aftershocks were recorded. An aftershock with a magnitude of 6.2 occurred at 05.13.53 WIB, followed by a 6.2 magnitude tremor at 05.28 WIB and a 5.6 magnitude tremor at 05.37.19 WIB. Several other aftershocks were also recorded, including a 5.5 magnitude tremor. Based on preliminary information, these aftershocks did not have tsunami potential.
“The BNPB is still updating data on the impact of the earthquake in affected areas. Data collection includes fatalities, injuries, building damage and other impacts. Information on the development of casualties and damage will be provided based on verification results from officers in the field,” he said.
The BNPB urged the public, especially those in coastal areas, to remain calm and follow official instructions from local governments as well as early warning information from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG). The public is also asked to stay away from buildings that have been damaged or cracked due to the earthquake as they could endanger safety.
The public is urged not to easily believe or spread information that cannot be verified. Official information regarding earthquake developments and tsunami potential can be monitored through official channels of the BMKG, BNPB, BPBD, local governments, as well as the Indonesian National Armed Forces and National Police.