Several Roads in NTT Blocked by Landslides Following M 7 Earthquake
Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General TNI Suharyanto, said a number of transport routes in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) have been reported disrupted following a magnitude 7 earthquake. Several road sections have even been blocked by landslides.
“Transport routes and communication lines are the next stage to be restored,” Suharyanto said during a press conference seen on BNPB’s YouTube channel on Saturday (15/8/2026).
Suharyanto said the Ministry of Public Works has also deployed personnel and equipment. Teams will immediately begin work to reopen transport routes affected by the earthquake’s tremors.
“It has indeed been reported that several roads are blocked by landslides,” he continued.
BNPB is also preparing air transport support to anticipate access that remains difficult to reach. BNPB has prepared two helicopters and one Caravan aircraft.
“We have also prepared two helicopters and one Caravan fixed-wing aircraft. The TNI and Polri have also made preparations, including Basarnas, should they be needed,” he said.
Suharyanto said the number of assets to be deployed will be adjusted according to conditions on the ground. BNPB will first conduct an assessment to determine the handling needs in greater detail.
“How many and how many units must be deployed will of course be determined after we arrive on the ground and see the actual situation,” he said.
“We will then carry out an assessment and gather information before we can clearly and thoroughly inform the public and media colleagues approximately what equipment is needed,” he added.
BNPB is also anticipating possible communication disruptions in affected areas. BNPB will prepare backup communication devices.
“So far we have not received reports on whether mobile phone signals or telephone lines have been disrupted, but of course we are also preparing backup communication equipment that is easy to operate, such as Starlink. We will certainly prepare this soon,” he said.