Dampek Bridge in NTT Reopens Following M 7.7 Earthquake
Transport access connecting three important areas in Manggarai and East Manggarai regencies, East Nusa Tenggara, is set to be restored soon. The Dampek Bridge, which was completely paralysed by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on Saturday (15/8), is targeted to be passable by vehicles again on Sunday (23/8). The bridge is a vital artery on the provincial road linking Reo, Dampek and Pota. The main damage occurred on the bridge approach, which suffered serious cracks due to the earthquake tremors, temporarily cutting off mobility for communities on the north coast of Flores.
The head of the East Nusa Tenggara Public Works and Public Housing Agency, Benyamin Nahak, said the repair process was being accelerated. The move was taken to ensure that the distribution of logistics and aid to earthquake-affected areas is not hampered. “Repairs to the cracks on the Dampek Bridge approach have been carried out. Work is currently being accelerated and is targeted for 23 August 2026, when the road and bridge on this provincial road section will be back to normal and passable by public vehicles,” Benyamin said on Sunday (23/8).
The recovery effort is the result of cross-agency collaboration. Field handling involves the East Nusa Tenggara National Road Implementation Agency, the provincial Public Works and Public Housing Agency, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Indonesian National Police, as well as full support from the local government and the community. The acceleration of the Dampek Bridge repairs also became a priority following a direct inspection by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena at the affected location. Governor Melki Laka Lena gave special instructions for this vital infrastructure to be brought back into service immediately.
The normalisation of the bridge is considered crucial, given that the northern coastal route is the main route for residents’ mobility and the smooth distribution of basic necessities. With the reopening of the Dampek Bridge, it is hoped that economic activity and the post-earthquake recovery process in the Greater Manggarai area can proceed more quickly.