BNPB Targets Completion of NTT Disaster Emergency Response Within 3 Weeks

The government, through the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), is targeting completion of the emergency response phase for the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) within two to three weeks.

This was conveyed by BNPB Deputy for Prevention Abdul Muhari during an update on post-earthquake handling in NTT on Sunday, 16 August 2026.

“The joint team from the central government, across ministries and agencies, is targeting the emergency response phase to be completed within the next two to three weeks,” said Abdul Muhari in his statement on Sunday, 16 August 2026.

Nevertheless, he stressed that the target remains dependent on the dynamics and developments of conditions on the ground. The target may change if unexpected conditions or situations are discovered during the disaster handling process.

“Of course, this very much depends on the dynamics we face in the field. But based on the results of this morning’s coordination meeting, we initially set a target so that the emergency response does not drag on too long and we can immediately move into the emergency transition phase,” he added.

Abdul Muhari said that emergency response status has currently been imposed in Manggarai Regency for 90 days. Meanwhile, East Manggarai Regency is in the process of establishing emergency response status for 14 days. The establishment of emergency response status for NTT Province is also still in process.

He explained that in addition to focusing on search and rescue of victims and meeting basic logistical needs for affected communities, the government has begun collecting data and identifying material losses caused by the earthquake.

“We hope that in the field, regional governments, assisted by personnel from the central government, can also carry out data collection and identification of material losses, especially relating to lightly damaged, moderately damaged and heavily damaged houses,” he said.

According to him, identifying the level of damage to houses and buildings is important to do from the outset so that the government can prepare the next stages more effectively, particularly in accelerating the transition and recovery process towards the reconstruction stage.

“This is very important so that the early recovery process can be carried out, accelerated and fast-tracked,” he said.

Meanwhile, on the second day after the earthquake, BNPB, under the direction of the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, has opened a National Assistance Post in Labuan Bajo and a Tactical Field Post in Maumere. A Media Centre for conveying developments in disaster handling has also been prepared at the West Manggarai Regent’s Office.