BNPB Verifies NTT Earthquake Data: 1 Fatality, 2,000 Residents Self-Evacuate
The Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, together with the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Pratikno, are heading to the area affected by the M7.7 earthquake in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Saturday (15/8). The earthquake occurred at 04:58:24 WIB, with its epicentre located at sea, approximately 38 kilometres northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, at a depth of 15 kilometres. The quake briefly had tsunami potential and was strongly felt in several areas of NTT as well as West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi.
As a step to accelerate handling, BNPB immediately deployed an emergency response team to support local governments in conducting rapid assessments, handling victims, recording impacts, and meeting the needs of affected communities. Logistical support and equipment were also prepared to strengthen field operations. The BNPB chief also directed the deployment of one helicopter to assist with logistics mobilisation and support emergency operational needs, including possible evacuation if required.
“Air support is important given the characteristics of the NTT region, which consists of many islands and has inter-regional access challenges,” said Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, in a statement on Saturday (15/8).
Based on the results of data updating and validation in the field up to 08:00 WIB, one person was recorded dead and four people were injured. The fatality was a resident of Sikka Regency, while the injured were recorded in Sikka Regency and Nagekeo Regency. “Previously, the initial report mentioned two fatalities. However, after verification and validation by officers in the field, the data was updated to one fatality,” he said.
In addition, around 2,000 residents in Nagekeo Regency carried out self-evacuation as a precautionary measure following the earthquake and the tsunami early warning. Meanwhile, in Bima City, one household or six people were recorded as affected. The temporary damage identified so far includes two heavily damaged houses, one moderately damaged house, two lightly damaged houses, one affected Bulog warehouse, three lightly damaged public facilities, and six affected government offices. This data remains provisional and is being continuously verified by the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) together with relevant parties.
Areas reported to have felt the tremors include Nagekeo, Sikka and West Manggarai Regencies in NTT; Bima City and Bima Regency in West Nusa Tenggara; and Jeneponto, Selayar Islands and Maros Regencies in South Sulawesi. In several coastal areas, residents evacuated in response to the tsunami early warning.