NTT Governor declares 14-day earthquake emergency response status
The Provincial Government of East Nusa Tenggara (Pemprov NTT) has declared an Earthquake Disaster Emergency Response Status in NTT Province for 14 days, effective from 15 to 28 August 2026.
“The declaration of emergency response status is made to accelerate the handling of disaster impacts, 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.
The declaration is set out in the Decree of the Governor of East Nusa Tenggara Number 305/KEP/HK/2026 concerning the Earthquake Disaster Emergency Response Status in East Nusa Tenggara Province, issued in Kupang on 15 August 2026.
This decision was taken following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that occurred in the Flores region on 15 August 2026, with a depth of 15 kilometres and 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.
“Public safety and the fulfilment of basic needs of affected residents are the top priorities during this emergency response period,” he said.
He emphasised that all available resources will be directed to support the search and evacuation of victims, health services, fulfilment of basic community needs, provision of evacuation shelters, restoration of transport access and infrastructure, as well as handling various other impacts caused by the disaster.
In the decree, the NTT Provincial Government also confirmed funding support for the emergency response.
All costs arising as a result of the declaration of emergency response status will be charged to the NTT Provincial Budget (APBD) as well as other legitimate and non-binding sources.
The declaration of emergency response status also serves as the basis for the government and all stakeholders to move together in accelerating disaster response and minimising its impact on the community.