NTT Earthquake Update: Land Route Opened, Death Toll Rises to 48

Entering the second day of search and rescue operations following the NTT earthquake, the Joint SAR Team continues to expand its sweep into affected areas. The search is focused on two main areas: Mbay City and the Reo region in Manggarai Regency.

Head of the Maumere SAR Office and SAR mission coordinator, Fathur Rahman, stated that the land route to the Reo area, previously blocked by landslides, has now been opened by rescue teams from the West Manggarai SAR Post.

“The rescue team from the West Manggarai SAR Post operating in East Manggarai, as of 06.00 WITA, has successfully accessed the land route in the Reo area which was previously affected by landslides. With this access opened, the search can be expanded to reach areas in need of assistance,” said Fathur in an official statement on Sunday (16/8).

Based on provisional verified data as of 08.30 WITA, 112 people have been affected, comprising 48 fatalities and 64 people suffering serious or minor injuries. This figure remains dynamic and is being continuously updated together with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and local SAR elements.

The Joint SAR Team also urged the public to remain calm and alert to the potential for aftershocks, to follow the instructions of officers in the field, and to obtain information from official sources.

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

In addition to the loss of life, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the earthquake also damaged residents’ homes and a number of public facilities. A total of 157 houses were severely damaged, 41 moderately damaged, and 148 lightly damaged.

A total of 87 public facilities were completely destroyed, comprising 18 health facilities, 5 places of worship, 6 office buildings, and other public facilities.