NTT Governor: Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 5

East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena has stated that the death toll from the magnitude 7 earthquake in the Flores Sea has risen to five people.

According to him, the five fatalities comprise two in Sikka and three in Manggarai.

“The provisional death toll from reports received is five people, two in Sikka and three in Manggarai,” said Melki, as the Governor is known, during a press conference at the NTT Regional Police headquarters on Saturday (15/8).

Joint teams are currently carrying out evacuation efforts for residents. Data collection is also still underway.

“Because the impact is felt across almost all of Flores, we cannot yet determine the exact extent of the damage,” said Melki.

Meanwhile, NTT Regional Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko said damage assessment is still being conducted. All TNI, Polri, SAR and BPBD personnel are carrying out data collection and assisting with evacuations.

The Police Chief said public kitchens will soon be opened to assist displaced residents. At present, the most pressing need is food supplies for the affected communities.

He said he has issued orders to all police units across mainland Flores to assist the public.

“The community must not be left alone; they must continue to be helped,” said Rudi.

The magnitude 7 earthquake that struck NTT was also felt in several surrounding areas. The quake reportedly caused extensive damage. It also triggered a tsunami in several areas with heights of nearly 1 metre.