BNPB: Death toll from NTT earthquake reaches 91

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) announced on Sunday (23/8) that the total death toll from the earthquake affecting East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has reached 91.

“As of 16.00 WIB on Sunday, 23 August, the number of fatalities stands at 91, an increase of 4 from the previous day. The breakdown is Manggarai 32, East Manggarai 31, Sikka 6, Ende 2, West Manggarai 1, Nagekeo 14, and Ngada 5,” said Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, during an online press conference.

By gender, 40 of the victims were male, 48 were female, and three others are still being identified. By age group, 39 of the deceased were elderly, 4 were toddlers under three, 1 was an infant, 12 were children and adolescents, and 35 were adults.

According to data received by BNPB, 51 per cent of the deaths were caused by the direct impact of the earthquake, such as being struck by building debris, while the remaining 49 per cent were caused by indirect impacts.

Berton said the number of displaced persons due to the earthquake in NTT has now increased to 161,084.

“The current data on displaced persons we have has increased again to 161,084. The three highest districts are Manggarai (46,519), Nagekeo (34,256), and East Manggarai (31,372),” he said.

BNPB reported that logistical assistance from the national logistics assistance post at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport continued to be distributed until 13.00 WIB to support disaster management in Labuan Bajo and Maumere.

Total assistance distributed has reached 271 tonnes with nine sorties (transport fleet dispatch units) and one ship to carry logistical support.

Distribution by air totalling 74 tonnes was sent to Labuan Bajo in five sorties, and 54 tonnes to Maumere in four sorties. In addition to air routes, on Sunday approximately 143 tonnes divided into 16 trucks of logistical support were sent by sea using KRI Semarang 594 from Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, to Labuan Bajo Port.

Cumulatively from 15 to 23 August, total logistical assistance distributed has reached 1,226 tonnes through 77 flight sorties and one ship.

Of that amount, approximately 869 tonnes have been distributed to Labuan Bajo through 50 flight sorties and one ship, while 356 tonnes have been distributed to Maumere through 27 flight sorties.

To date, total assistance received at the national logistics support post from 15 to 23 August has reached 1,750 tonnes from 77 donors.