BNPB assesses post-earthquake needs in NTT
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) is conducting a joint needs assessment to map the concrete requirements of residents affected by the 7.7 magnitude tectonic earthquake in Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
BNPB Steering Element Victor Rembeth, in a statement received in Jakarta on Thursday, said that the joint assessment meeting held at the Muhammadiyah University of Maumere (UNIMOF) agreed on the division of roles between the central and regional governments in extending the emergency response period until 11 September 2026.
“In this meeting, the division of work between the central and regional governments was agreed upon regarding the coordination of continued emergency response in Sikka Regency, which has been extended until 11 September 2026,” he said.
Victor explained that this collaboration involves the BNPB, the Sikka Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), UNIMOF, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), the Sikka Fasar Community, as well as several religious and humanitarian-based institutions part of the Humanitarian Forum Indonesia (HFI).
In addition to mapping gaps in emergency handling, humanitarian actions in Sikka are also actively engaging interfaith youth groups, such as UNIMOF students, Catholic Youth of the Diocese, and the GMIT Integrated Post Church Youth, in the preparation and distribution of disaster logistics.
Victor emphasised that the integration between the government, academics, and civil society organisations is an implementation of the principles of coordination, integration, and partnership as mandated by Law Number 24 of 2007 concerning Disaster Management.
He expressed high appreciation for the inclusive participation and mutual cooperation across various elements of society, which has helped mitigate the suffering of disaster victims in a planned and comprehensive manner.
The largest concentration of displaced persons is located in Manggarai and Nagekeo Regencies, as well as East Manggarai, West Manggarai, Ngada, Sikka, and Ende.
BNPB also noted that the death toll has reached 111 people since the first earthquake on 15 August 2026, with a total of 1,631 injured persons, consisting of 223 seriously injured and 1,408 lightly injured.
Damage to houses has reached 95,567 units, detailed as 46,461 lightly damaged houses, 21,992 moderately damaged houses, and 27,414 heavily damaged houses.
Furthermore, aid supplies stored in the National Logistics Support Post (Posduklognas) for the NTT Earthquake Emergency Response at Halim Perdanakusuma, Jakarta, reached 46,399 kilograms, or approximately 46 tonnes, as of 29 August 2026.
A total of 21,738 kilograms, or approximately 22 tonnes of aid, had been distributed by 29 August 2026 to support the needs of the earthquake-affected community through several posts, two of which are located in Maumere and Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai.