Nagekeo Earthquake Survivors Forced to Buy Clean Water at Rp 2,000 per Jerry Can

Earthquake survivors in Rendhu Butowe Village, Aesesa Selatan District, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, are still struggling to obtain clean water. They have even had to pay Rp 2,000 for a single five-litre jerry can of water.

The situation is being experienced by residents of RT 11, Malapoma Hamlet, who have set up their own shelters at several evacuation posts. To meet their daily needs, residents are forced to buy water in Mbay, the capital of Nagekeo, which is about 30 metres away.

In addition to the five-litre jerry cans priced at Rp 2,000, residents must pay Rp 8,000 for a 19-litre gallon.

“We lack clean water, so we just buy it,” said one resident, Maria Sana, when met at Danga Field, Mbay, on Thursday (20/8/2026).

The 46-year-old woman said her village has long struggled with access to clean water. The situation still forces residents to seek water, even as aftershocks continue to shake the area.

The time and effort spent amid the threat of aftershocks has not deterred residents from seeking clean water to meet basic needs, from bathing, drinking and cooking to washing.

“We have experienced this (buying clean water) for a long time,” Maria explained.

Another resident, Martina Bule (52), said she initially came to Mbay with several other residents to buy water. However, upon arrival, Martina received information that clean water was available for free.

Martina eventually obtained clean water free of charge from the Aesesa Police. According to her, following the earthquake, the need for clean water is very urgent at every makeshift evacuation post.

Information gathered by detikBali indicates that personnel from the Aesesa Police and Nagekeo Police are preparing basic food supplies and clean water for distribution to Rendhu Butowe Village.