Several Flores Tourist Destinations Temporarily Closed After M7.7 Earthquake
A number of leading tourist destinations on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, have been temporarily closed after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake shook the region. The closure is intended to ensure tourist safety while giving officials time to inspect the condition of infrastructure in affected locations.
Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, said several destinations still require inspection and recovery before being declared safe to receive visitors again.
“Several tourist sites are currently still temporarily closed, such as Rangko Cave in West Manggarai Regency, Wae Rebo Traditional Village in Manggarai, and Kelimutu National Park in Ende Regency,” said Berton on Tuesday (18/8).
According to Berton, local government through tourism authorities will provide the latest updates regarding the reopening of closed destinations. Reopening will take place after inspection and verification of safety aspects and the suitability of facilities on the ground are completed.
Meanwhile, tourism activities in the Komodo National Park area and its surroundings are still operating normally. Both domestic and foreign tourists can still access the area and no incidents have been reported.
Preliminary BNPB data shows eight tourist attractions suffered minor damage due to the earthquake. The impact was also recorded in the tourism accommodation sector.
Two hotels and three homestays were reported to have suffered severe damage. In addition, 10 hotels and five homestays suffered minor damage in several affected regencies, including Nagekeo Regency.
“Ensuring the safety and security of all tourists, both domestic and foreign, as well as the suitability of tourism infrastructure is a priority,” said Berton.
BNPB previously reported that more than 5,000 residents have been displaced, either independently or in evacuation posts. Most residents left their homes because their residential buildings suffered damage from the M7.7 earthquake.
Preliminary data collection by the joint team in the field recorded 914 houses with severe damage, 126 houses with moderate damage, and 317 houses with minor damage.
The earthquake also affected a number of public facilities. Damage was recorded at 93 educational facilities, 36 health facilities, and 38 government offices.
As of Monday (17/8), BNPB recorded 68 people died as a result of the disaster. The victims came from Manggarai Regency with 26 people, East Manggarai 24 people, Nagekeo eight people, Sikka four people, Ende two people, West Manggarai two people, and Ngada two people.