BNPB: NTT earthquake death toll rises by one to 71

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported that the death toll from the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has increased by one person as of today, bringing the total number of fatalities to 71 since 15–19 August 2026.

“The number of victims has increased by one to 71, namely in Nagekeo Regency. We, from the government, express our condolences on the passing of our family members, and we also ensure that aid continues to be distributed to the communities currently in evacuation sites and affected areas,” said Berton SP Panjaitan, Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, during an online press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Berton also urged survivors in NTT to remain calm, as the government continues to ensure that the basic needs of earthquake victims are met.

“We are also facing obstacles, namely the geographical character of Flores, which is currently difficult to reach. Therefore, aid is being distributed in stages and adjusted to the access conditions from the sub-district level to the evacuation points. Optimisation of sea transport is also being used to reach areas that require logistical support in substantial quantities,” he said.

BNPB also noted the challenge posed by the large number of self-evacuated displaced persons, which makes it difficult for teams to distribute supplies in a timely manner.

Berton added that the total number of displaced persons across NTT currently stands at 59,647, with the largest concentration in Manggarai.

“We are ensuring that basic needs such as food and clean water, tents, mattresses and blankets, sanitation and hygiene, and the needs of vulnerable groups are met. The handling of displaced persons is also not only carried out in one centralised location because the affected communities are still spread across various points,” he said.