Government to Immediately Construct Temporary Housing for Nagekeo Earthquake Refugees in NTT

The government plans to immediately construct temporary housing (huntara) for the victims of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) will conduct a site inspection for the proposed construction locations.

“Currently, we are collecting data on houses that can serve as models for the construction of temporary housing. The locations will be determined tomorrow, and we have also presented the housing models to our superiors,” said BNPKS Expert, Marshda TNI (Ret.) Oka Prawira, during a press conference at the Nagekeo Earthquake Emergency Response Post on Friday (4/9/2026).

Oka explained that the construction is being prioritised so that refugees can be moved from emergency tents to temporary housing. This move is intended to improve the comfort of the affected community while they await the construction of permanent residences.

According to Oka, two units of temporary housing are planned for Mbay City, with one unit allocated to each sub-district. He emphasised that the locations must be strategic so that the community can observe and inspect the progress directly.

“That is what we are creating as a model. Subsequently, the construction will focus on residents’ houses that have suffered heavy damage and where there is sufficient land meeting the required specifications,” Oka explained.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Regent of Nagekeo, Gonzalo Gratianus Muga Sada, stated that the construction of temporary housing is linked to the data collection of heavily damaged houses. However, he acknowledged that the task is challenging due to a lack of personnel on the ground.

“After 21 days of observation, we have seen that this is not easy, so the solution must involve increasing personnel,” said Gonzalo.

Previously, the BNPB recorded that 21,952 people have been displaced due to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Nagekeo, NTT. The refugees are spread across seven sub-districts and 113 villages/wards in Nagekeo.

The death toll from the Nagekeo earthquake stands at 20 people across five sub-districts. In addition to the fatalities, the BNPB recorded 34 people with serious injuries and 133 people with minor injuries.