NTT Earthquake Update: 53 Dead, 135 Injured
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported updated casualty figures from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). A total of 53 people have died and 135 others have been injured.
“In total we have recorded 53 fatalities, with the breakdown as follows: West Manggarai Regency, one person; East Manggarai Regency, 20 people; Manggarai Regency, 25 people; Nagekeo, one person; Sikka, four people; Ende, two people,” said BNPB Deputy for Prevention Abdul Muhari during a press conference on Sunday, 16 August 2026.
Abdul Muhari detailed the number of injured victims affected by the earthquake. The 135 injured victims are receiving treatment at various health facilities in the local area.
“For the injured victims currently being treated at nearby community health centres, the total is 135 people, consisting of: Sikka, 12 people; Manggarai, 17 people with serious injuries and 20 people with minor injuries; East Manggarai, 21 people with serious injuries and 109 people with minor injuries; West Manggarai, six people with serious injuries,” he said.
He also conveyed the government’s condolences and sorrow over the deaths of the victims.
“Once again, on behalf of the government, we pray for the best for the victims and express our deepest sympathy to the bereaved families,” he said.
The Provincial Government of Nusa Tenggara Timur has declared a Disaster Emergency Response Status following the earthquake that struck the province. The status is effective for 14 days, from 15 to 28 August 2026.
The declaration is set out in Nusa Tenggara Timur Governor Decree Number 305/KEP/HK/2026 concerning the Earthquake Disaster Emergency Response Status in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, issued in Kupang on 15 August 2026.
“The declaration of emergency response status is intended to accelerate the handling of the disaster’s impact, while also facilitating access, coordination, and communication between parties in mobilising all available resources,” said NTT Governor Melki Laka Lena in his statement in Kupang on Sunday, 16 August 2026.
This decision was made following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that occurred in the Flores region on 15 August 2026 at a depth of 15 kilometres, located approximately 30 kilometres northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency.
The natural disaster has caused fatalities, injuries, damage to residential areas, infrastructure, facilities and public amenities, and has disrupted the lives and activities of communities in several areas.