BNPB: Death toll from NTT earthquake rises to 75

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded that the number of fatalities resulting from the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) had risen to 75 as of Thursday at 16.00 Western Indonesia Time.

Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, stated during a press conference monitored in Jakarta on Thursday that the figure had increased by four compared with the previous day, when 71 deaths were recorded.

“Today, the number has increased by four, with details of two additional deaths in Sikka Regency, one in Manggarai Regency, and one in Nagekeo,” said Berton.

The BNPB also extended its condolences to the families of the victims and to all communities affected by the earthquake disaster.

In addition to the fatalities, the number of injured has also risen. As of Thursday at 16.00 Western Indonesia Time, the BNPB recorded 907 people injured, an increase of nine from the previous figure of 898. All of the additional injuries were recorded in Ngada Regency.

He had previously urged residents in areas affected by the earthquake in NTT to remain alert and prepared, given the continuing high level of aftershock activity.

“With aftershocks still occurring frequently and of significant magnitude, the public is urged to remain vigilant and maintain readiness,” said Berton.

Furthermore, he said the latest BNPB data recorded 3,752 aftershocks in the earthquake-affected area.

He noted that one of the aftershocks felt on Thursday occurred at 10.47 local time with a magnitude of 5.7.