NTT Earthquake: Evacuee Numbers Fall as Aftershocks Decline

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported a decrease in the number of people displaced by the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on August 15, 2026. As of August 30, the number of evacuees had dropped by 4,142, marking a gradual easing of the crisis. Acting Head of BNPB’s Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication, Berton SP Panjaitan, announced that 188,161 residents remained in evacuation centers at 7 a.m. Jakarta time on that day. The reduction in displacement was attributed to the declining frequency of aftershocks, which had begun to subside following the initial tremors. Aftershock activity, though reduced, continued to pose risks to the affected population. As of August 30, a total of 9,765 aftershocks had been recorded, ranging in magnitude from 1.0 to 6.2. Of these, 155 were felt by residents, according to Panjaitan. While the frequency of aftershocks showed a downward trend, experts warned that seismic activity could persist for up to three to four weeks after the main earthquake. This period of uncertainty necessitated ongoing vigilance and preparedness among both authorities and the local populace. The earthquake resulted in 111 confirmed fatalities and 1,631 injuries, with 223 individuals sustaining severe injuries and 1,408 receiving minor injuries. The disaster also caused extensive damage to residential properties, with 95,567 homes affected. Of these, 46,161 suffered minor damage, 21,992 experienced moderate damage, and 27,414 were severely damaged. The BNPB emphasized the urgent need to provide temporary housing or relocation sites for 27,414 families whose homes were completely destroyed. These families currently reside in evacuation centers, relying on the government’s logistical support for food, water, and medical care. In response to the crisis, Indonesia rapidly mobilized multiple agencies, including the police, military, and various ministries, to assist in search-and-rescue operations and the distribution of relief supplies. The national government deployed resources to ensure the safety and stability of the affected communities. President Prabowo Subianto visited the NTT region to oversee disaster relief efforts firsthand, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing continuous support. His visit followed that of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who pledged immediate assistance in repairing damaged infrastructure and offering equal support to all survivors, including those living in evacuation centers. Recovery efforts extended beyond immediate relief, focusing on long-term resilience and sustainable development. The Indonesian Tourism Ministry announced plans to transform Labuan Bajo into a more disaster-resistant tourist hub. The ministry aims to strengthen disaster risk management protocols and promote the development of new land-based attractions within West Manggarai District. These initiatives are designed to ensure the continuity of tourism growth while enhancing safety and economic opportunities for local communities. Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana highlighted the importance of integrating disaster preparedness into the tourism sector’s operational framework, emphasizing the need for robust emergency response systems and improved evacuation procedures. Efforts to restore normalcy in the region included the reopening of key tourist sites such as Komodo National Park and Padar Island, which had undergone thorough safety assessments. Domestic and international flight traffic remained stable, reflecting the resilience of the local economy. To further bolster maritime tourism safety, the government introduced training programs under the Indonesian Tourism Workforce Certification (SATRIA) initiative. Additionally, the development of land-based attractions, including Kukusan Island, Kelor Island, and Rangko Cave, was prioritized to diversify the tourism offerings and reduce dependency on vulnerable coastal areas.