NTT Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 75, Displaced Persons Surge to 92,735
The death toll from the earthquake that struck Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) has risen again, with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) recording 75 fatalities following the magnitude 7.7 quake, an increase of four from the previous day. The additional victims were reported in Sikka Regency (two), Manggarai (one), and Nagekeo (one).
“We continue to express our deepest condolences for the loss of life from this earthquake, which has now reached 75 people,” said Berton Panjaitan, Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre, during an online press conference on Thursday afternoon (20/8).
The number of injured also rose to 907, an increase of nine from the previous figure of 898, with the additional injuries recorded in Ngada Regency.
Aftershocks continue to occur in the affected areas. BNPB has recorded 3,752 aftershocks as of Thursday. At 10.47 Wita, residents again felt a magnitude 5.7 tremor.
“With the high number of aftershocks, some of which are quite large, the public is urged to remain alert and prepared,” said Berton.
BNPB reminded residents in affected areas to ensure the condition of buildings before returning to their homes or other structures.
The number of displaced persons has also surged significantly, rising from 59,647 to 92,735, an increase of 33,088 people. According to BNPB data, the largest increases were recorded in Nagekeo Regency with 21,883 people, Manggarai Regency with 9,649, and West Manggarai Regency with 1,556.
The number of damaged houses recorded by BNPB has reached 36,163 units, an increase of 7,187 units, as field damage assessments become more accurate.
To meet the needs of affected residents, BNPB continues to send aid from the National Logistics Support Post at Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta to Labuan Bajo Airport and Maumere Airport. Between 15 and 20 August 2026, total aid distributed reached 729 tonnes.
On Thursday (20/8), BNPB dispatched an additional 102 tonnes of aid, comprising 42 tonnes from donations and 60 tonnes from ready-to-use funds, including basic food packages, ready-to-eat meals, medicines, instant noodles, tents, mats, blankets, mattresses, velbet, hygiene kits, and generators. Berton said BNPB is using helicopters to reach areas that are difficult to access by land, including sending aid to Golowoi Village in West Cibal District, Manggarai Regency.
Several patients requiring emergency treatment were evacuated from Palue Island to Dr. T.C. Hillers Hospital in Maumere, Sikka Regency.