NTT Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 87, Displaced Surpass 150,000

The number of fatalities from the earthquake that shook Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) has risen again. In a single day, an increase of 12 people was recorded, bringing the total death toll to 87 from the previous 75.

Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, explained that the increase in casualties occurred amid continuing aftershocks in several affected areas.

“There are still additional fatalities compared with yesterday’s report. Today, cumulatively, the number of deaths stands at 87,” Berton said during a briefing on the handling of the NTT earthquake disaster on Saturday (22/8).

According to the latest BNPB data, Manggarai Regency recorded the highest number of fatalities with 31 people. It was followed by East Manggarai with 30, Nagekeo with 13, Sikka with 9, Ngada with 4, Ende with 2, and West Manggarai with 1.

In addition to the deaths, the earthquake also injured 1,298 residents, 336 of whom suffered serious injuries. East Manggarai Regency was the area with the highest number of injured, reaching 643 people, followed by Manggarai Regency with 285.

The high intensity of aftershocks has driven an increase in the number of displaced residents. As of Saturday, BNPB recorded a total of 150,576 displaced people, a significant jump from the previous report of around 130,000.

As of Saturday, 5,012 aftershocks had been recorded, with the largest measuring magnitude 6.2 and the smallest magnitude 1.1. Of these, 124 aftershocks were felt directly by residents.

The government continues to accelerate aid distribution through the National Logistics Support Post (Posduklognas) at Halim Perdanakusuma. As of Saturday at 13.00 WIB, 147 tonnes of logistical aid had been sent through 10 flight sorties, divided between Labuan Bajo (70 tonnes) and Maumere (77 tonnes).

Cumulatively, from 15 to 22 August 2026, total aid distributed reached 954 tonnes through 68 flight sorties. Of this, 651 tonnes were channelled through Labuan Bajo Airport and 303 tonnes through Maumere Airport.

Humanitarian operations on the ground currently involve 5,832 TNI personnel, 238 Polri personnel, and 903 volunteers from 104 organisations working with ministries and regional governments to comprehensively address the disaster’s impact.