BPBD NTT: 6,541 homes in West Manggarai damaged by Flores earthquake

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province has recorded that as of Thursday (20/8), 6,541 homes in West Manggarai Regency have suffered damage due to the earthquake that shook Flores.

“The damage to homes in West Manggarai consists of 2,539 severely damaged houses, 1,039 moderately damaged and 2,963 lightly damaged,” said Head of the NTT Provincial BPBD Mahadin Sibarani in a statement in Kupang on Thursday.

In addition to homes, the earthquake also caused damage to 40 government offices, 250 educational facilities, 19 health service facilities, 35 places of worship and two hotels.

Mahadin said the earthquake also caused two deaths, 100 injuries and displaced 695 people.

For emergency response, the West Manggarai Regency Government through BPBD together with village governments is conducting rapid assessments to identify the impact of damage and urgent needs at affected locations.

The West Manggarai Regency BPBD and the Social Service are also preparing equipment and basic necessities for affected residents for immediate distribution.

The urgent needs currently required include 10 refugee tents, 10 command post tents, 100 folding beds, 100 mats, 100 ready-to-eat food packages and 10 tonnes of rice.

The West Manggarai Regency Government continues to coordinate with village governments to ensure optimal handling and fulfilment of the needs of affected residents.

Mahadin urged the public to remain calm and increase vigilance against the potential for aftershocks and to avoid buildings that could potentially suffer damage.

He also reminded people in coastal areas to increase vigilance against the potential for tsunamis and to immediately carry out independent evacuation to higher ground if there are signs of a threat.

“To date, the joint team is still carrying out emergency response and assessment of the impact of damage in all affected villages. Cross-agency coordination meetings are also continuing to follow up on emergency response,” he said.

Mahadin said residents still choose to remain outside their homes or in open areas as a precautionary measure until conditions are declared safe.

Meanwhile, logistical assistance has begun to arrive from the government, the private sector and the public.