NTT Earthquake Update: 72 Dead, 900 Injured

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has recorded that the death toll from the earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) has risen to 72.

The figure is based on updated data from the BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre (Pusdatinkom) as of Thursday (20/8) at 09.00 WIB.

“72 people have died,” the Pusdatinkom BNPB data stated.

Pusdatinkom BNPB also recorded 900 injured, 82,691 displaced and 18,019 households affected.

Material losses include 29,001 damaged houses, comprising 11,699 severely damaged, 6,542 moderately damaged and 10,760 lightly damaged.

Additionally, 804 educational facilities were affected, 237 health facilities, 195 places of worship, 257 office units and one Bulog warehouse.

Furthermore, nine irrigation facilities, 116 public facilities, 45 road points, one market and 16 bridges were affected.

The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck NTT on Saturday (15/8), centred in Nagakeo Regency.

The NTT provincial government has declared a 14-day Earthquake Emergency Response Status, effective from 15 to 28 August 2026.

Previously, BNPB Head Lieutenant General Suharyanto said aftershocks could still occur in Nusa Tenggara Timur for the next two to three weeks. He urged the public not to panic.

Suharyanto explained that based on BMKG monitoring, the aftershocks tend to be smaller in magnitude than the main earthquake.

“Do not panic, but remain vigilant. According to BMKG, aftershocks may still occur over the next two to three weeks. However, these earthquakes will not be as large as the main earthquake. Even if there are rumours of a tsunami, according to BMKG that is not possible. This is based on scientific research,” Suharyanto said when meeting survivors in Peozaka Ramba Village, Ende District, Ende Regency, on Wednesday (19/8), as quoted from a written statement.