NTT Earthquake Update: 87 Dead and 150,000 Residents Displaced
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported that the death toll from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has now reached 87 people. The latest data as of Saturday (22/8/2026) shows an increase in the number of fatalities as well as the total number of displaced persons, which has surpassed 150,000 across various regencies in NTT.
Acting Head of the BNPB Centre for Disaster Data, Information and Communication, Berton SP Panjaitan, detailed the distribution of fatalities across seven regencies. He stressed that the government is prioritising the fulfilment of basic needs for survivors amid ongoing aftershock activity.
“Today, cumulatively, the number of deaths stands at 87, with the breakdown as follows: Manggarai 31, East Manggarai 30, Sikka 9, Ende 2, West Manggarai 1, Nagekeo 13, and Ngada 4,” he said in an online press conference on Saturday (22/8/2026).
In addition to the fatalities, BNPB recorded 1,298 injured residents, of whom 336 suffered serious injuries. Furthermore, the continuing aftershocks have caused the number of displaced persons to rise significantly from around 130,000 to 150,576 people. Aftershocks have been recorded 5,012 times since the main earthquake struck the region.
“At present, due to the large number of aftershocks, the number of displaced persons has also increased from yesterday’s figure of around 130,000 to 150,576,” he added.
The government continues to distribute logistics, which to date have reached 954 tonnes through 68 flight sorties. Distribution is focused on Labuan Bajo and Maumere airports, to be forwarded to regency command posts, with direct helicopter deliveries to remote areas such as Palu’e Island.
“Logistics distribution today has reached 147 tonnes carried out through 10 flight sorties. The distribution consists of 70 tonnes in 5 sorties to Labuan Bajo and 77 tonnes in 5 sorties to Maumere,” he explained.
For medical handling, the hospital ship KRI Dr. Soeharso 990 belonging to the Indonesian Navy has docked at Reo Port to support the treatment of seriously injured patients requiring surgery.
In addition, the government has begun mapping out a scheme for stimulant funds for residents whose homes suffered damage according to the level of physical damage.
“Assistance for moderately and severely damaged homes is divided into two schemes. For moderately damaged homes, stimulant funds of Rp 30 million will be provided, while for lightly damaged homes, Rp 15 million,” Berton added.
Verification of building damage data will be carried out over the next two to three weeks after the emergency response phase concludes. BNPB has assured that all personnel and volunteers remain on standby in the field to ensure the smooth delivery of health and sanitation services for all NTT evacuees.
“We are ensuring that the fulfilment of basic needs for disaster-affected residents remains a priority,” he concluded.