Nagekeo Regency Still Isolated After Earthquake, Electricity and Communications Unstable
Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), remains isolated after being struck by an earthquake. The situation is worsened by unstable mobile communication networks and electricity supply.
This was revealed by NTT Regional Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko. Rudi said the communication disruptions made it difficult for him to monitor the condition of affected residents and to coordinate with Nagekeo Police Chief AKBP Rachmat Muchamad Salihi.
“Indeed, we ourselves also find it rather difficult to communicate with the Police Chief because communication channels and electricity are not yet stable there, so his reports are also intermittent,” Rudi said on Monday (17/8/2026).
Rudi explained that aftershocks were also still occurring in Nagekeo. According to him, officers are still working to open access routes to facilitate the distribution of logistics to residents there.
He stressed that he had ordered the Nagekeo Police Chief to immediately go to Tenda Kinde Village, Wolowae District, Nagekeo Regency, which remains isolated. Hundreds of residents are currently sheltering independently in distressing conditions at the Tenda Kinde Village Office.
According to information, residents there have not received assistance from any party. They are meeting their daily needs by pooling money to buy basic necessities, and gathering whatever food remains from existing supplies.
“Information like this is what we hope will continue to be conveyed to us so that we can follow it up immediately on the ground,” Rudi said.
On the other hand, Rudi said police would soon prioritise assistance in the form of portable Wi-Fi units sent from National Police Headquarters to be installed in Nagekeo. The aim is to facilitate communication and coordination with victims, officers and others.
“National Police Headquarters has also sent 10 portable Wi-Fi units, prepared to help affected areas experiencing internet connectivity disruptions,” Rudi concluded.