Death toll from NTT magnitude 7 earthquake rises to five

The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has risen to five, according to NTT Governor Melki Laka Lena.

“Based on the information I have received so far, the number of fatalities has reached five,” Melki said, as reported by Antara on Saturday (15/8/2026).

Melki made the statement during a press conference with relevant parties, including BMKG, BPBD, SAR, and the TNI-Polri, to discuss follow-up handling of the earthquake’s impact in Flores. He said two of the victims died in Maumere, Sikka Regency, and three others in Manggarai Regency.

He said the victims are believed to have died from building collapses during the earthquake in the area.

“But we will confirm again what the cause was,” he said.

Melki added that detailed data on casualties, including fatalities and injuries, will be provided upon his return from Flores.

“This afternoon we will depart for Flores and later this afternoon we will provide another update, including on casualties and damage,” he added.

Regarding damage, he said several road sections in Flores have been cut off and landslides have occurred due to the earthquake.

The magnitude 7 earthquake occurred this morning at 04:58:24 WIB. Based on updated information, the epicentre was at sea, approximately 38 kilometres northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, NTT. The epicentre was at a depth of 15 kilometres.

Following the main earthquake, 37 aftershocks were recorded as of 07:07 WIB. Aftershocks with a magnitude of 6.2 occurred at 05:13 WIB, followed by another magnitude 6.2 at 05:28 WIB, and a magnitude 5.6 at 05:37 WIB.

Several other aftershocks were also recorded, including a magnitude 5.5. Based on preliminary information, these aftershocks do not have tsunami potential.