BNPB: Death Toll from NTT Earthquake Rises to 71, with 59,647 Displaced
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded an increase in the death toll from the earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Saturday (15/8/2026). Based on the latest data, a total of 71 people have died as a result of the disaster.
Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, said that based on data up to Wednesday (19/8/2026), a total of 71 people had died. The number of fatalities has increased compared to previous data. “The number of victims increased by one person to 71, namely in Nagekeo Regency,” he said during an online press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
He added that his team is continuing to focus on handling the displaced people affected by the disaster. This is because more than 50,000 residents are still displaced.
According to him, the large number of people still displaced is due to their fear of returning to their respective homes. This is because many buildings were damaged by the earthquake. On the other hand, aftershocks are still occurring to this day.
“Based on the data update that has been conveyed by the Deputy from BMKG, this has resulted in a large total number of displaced people at this time, according to our records as many as 59,647 people, and the largest number is in Manggarai at around 20,000 people,” he said.
Berton said the government is continuing to work to distribute logistical needs to residents affected by the disaster in NTT. As of Tuesday (18/8/2026), 165 tonnes of logistics had been distributed by air. According to him, the total aid sent from Saturday to Tuesday reached 398 tonnes.
According to him, delivery by land is one of the priorities for handling the situation on the ground to distribute logistics. However, the distribution of logistics cannot be carried out quickly due to the geographical conditions and damage to a number of roads in Flores.
Therefore, the government is also optimising how sea transportation can be used to reach areas that require large amounts of logistical support. “On 18 August, the KRI Bung Hatta departed from Labuan Bajo Port to Reo Port in Manggarai Regency, carrying packages of basic food aid, family tents, refugee tents, and all aid originating from the community. This support will then be distributed to Manggarai Regency and East Manggarai Regency,” he said.
He mentioned that one of the obstacles to distributing logistics is the large number of residents who are displaced independently. As a result, teams in the field are having difficulty distributing aid in a timely manner.
“In addition, access to villages is not easy and takes time to reach because of the unstable condition of the roads and the narrowness of the roads,” said Berton.