Five Killed in NTT Earthquake, Palace Offers Condolences

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi has expressed deep condolences over the loss of life caused by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. At least five people have been reported dead so far as a result of the quake.

Speaking to journalists at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Saturday, Pras said the government had received reports of a significant earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara province, at around 5 a.m. Western Indonesia Time. He said the government extended its deepest sympathies following reports of several fatalities.

Pras said he had reported the incident to President Prabowo Subianto and had coordinated with relevant parties to ensure readiness in handling the earthquake’s impact. He said coordination had been carried out with the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, the Head of Basarnas, and the Head of BMKG, who had issued an early warning of a potential tsunami. He added that the warning had since been lifted.

Pras also noted reports of rising sea levels in parts of East Nusa Tenggara and asked the local governor to take swift mitigation measures. He called for immediate search efforts in affected locations, noting that some people were still trapped under rubble, with buildings including a port in Maumere and several offices having collapsed. He said the government had placed resources on standby at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport should central government assistance be required at any time.