BNPB Chief and Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Depart for NTT After M 7.7 Earthquake

The Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General TNI Suharyanto, together with the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Pratikno, departed for Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which was affected by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on Saturday morning.

In addition to directly inspecting the earthquake response, Suharyanto also directed support in the form of one helicopter unit to assist with logistics mobilisation and support emergency operational needs, including possible evacuation if required.

“This air support is important given the characteristics of the NTT region, which consists of many islands and has inter-regional access challenges,” said the Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, on Saturday, 15 August 2026.

Berton said that to accelerate the response, BNPB immediately deployed an emergency response team to support local governments in conducting rapid assessments, handling victims, recording impacts, and meeting the needs of affected communities.

Logistics support and equipment were also prepared to strengthen field operations.

Based on the results of data updates and validation in the field up to 08.00 WIB, one person was recorded dead and four people were injured as a result of the earthquake.

The fatality was a resident of Sikka Regency, while the injured were recorded in Sikka Regency and Nagekeo Regency.

“Previously, the initial report stated that there were two fatalities. However, after verification and validation by officers in the field, the data was updated to one fatality,” he said.

Meanwhile, around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo Regency carried out self-evacuation as a precautionary measure following the earthquake and a tsunami early warning. In Bima City, one household, or six people, was recorded as affected.

The temporary damage identified so far includes two heavily damaged houses, one moderately damaged house, two lightly damaged houses, one affected Bulog warehouse, three lightly damaged public facilities, and six affected government offices.

“This data is still temporary and continues to be verified by the BPBD together with relevant parties,” said Berton.