NTT Governor: Death Toll from Earthquake Rises to Five

East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Melki Laka Lena has said the number of fatalities from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, has risen to five.

“Based on the information I have received at this time, the death toll has reached five,” Melki said on Saturday, 15 August 2026.

Melki explained that two of the victims were in Maumere, Sikka Regency, and three others in Manggarai Regency.

The victims, he said, are suspected to have died from debris from buildings that collapsed when the earthquake struck the area.

“But we will confirm again what the cause was,” he said.

Melki stated that detailed data on casualties, including deaths and injuries, will be provided upon his return from Flores.

“This afternoon we will depart for Flores and later this afternoon we will provide another update, including on casualties and damage,” he said.

Regarding the damage, he said that several road sections in Flores have also been cut off and landslides have occurred as a result of the earthquake.