SAR Team Focuses Operations in Two NTT Regencies Today

The Maumere SAR team is conducting search and rescue operations following the earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Operations are focused on two regencies.

“Today we are focusing the search on two regencies, namely Manggarai and East Manggarai,” said Head of Maumere SAR Fatur Rahman when contacted from Kupang on Sunday (16/8/2026), regarding the progress of the search for victims of the earthquake centred in Mbay, Nagekeo Regency.

On the first day after evacuating victims in Maumere, Sikka Regency, with a total of five victims, his team immediately departed for Mbay by sea. “We used KN SAR 250 Punta Dewa when departing for Mbay for the SAR operation,” said Fatur Rahman.

His team continues to expand the search and assistance for affected communities. Since 06.00 WITA, he continued, personnel together with SAR main equipment have been deployed to a number of priority points for the operation.

Fathur Rahman said access to several affected areas that had previously been hampered by landslides is now passable for officers. “So for the second day, personnel are deployed via sea and land routes,” he said.

“The Rescue Team from the West Manggarai SAR Post tasked with conducting searches in the East Manggarai region, as of 06.00 WITA, has successfully accessed the land route in the Reo area which was previously affected by landslides,” he added.

With the opening of this access, he said, the search can be expanded again to reach areas in need of assistance.

Furthermore, Fatur said the SAR team continues to conduct sweeping and data collection in the field, while strengthening coordination with relevant elements to ensure all affected areas can be reached.

Based on provisional data collection and verification as of 08.30 WITA, 112 people have been affected by the earthquake, consisting of 48 people who died and 64 people suffering serious or minor injuries. This figure is still provisional and dynamic. The data collection and verification process continues together with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and potential SAR elements in the affected areas.

He also urged the public to remain calm and alert to the possibility of aftershocks.