14-Day Emergency Status Declared After NTT Earthquake

RRI.CO.ID, Kupang - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Melki Laka Lena has declared a 14‑day earthquake emergency response period after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the province on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

“This status aims to accelerate the handling of the disaster’s impact and facilitate access, coordination, and communication among institutions to mobilize all available resources,” Melki said in a statement on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

The emergency response period is effective from August 15 to 28, 2026, as stipulated in NTT Governor Decree No. 305/KEP/HK/2026 on the Earthquake Emergency Response Status in East Nusa Tenggara Province.

Melki emphasized that public safety and meeting affected residents' basic needs are the government’s top priorities during the emergency response period. “Public safety and meeting the basic needs of affected residents are the top priorities during this emergency response period,” he said.

He noted that all available resources will be deployed to accelerate the response to the earthquake’s impact. These efforts include search and evacuation operations, healthcare services, providing basic necessities, and establishing evacuation shelters.

The government will also restore damaged transportation access and infrastructure while addressing other earthquake-related consequences. The NTT Provincial Administration is ensuring financial support for response operations throughout the emergency period.

The NTT Regional Budget (APBD) and other legitimate, non‑binding sources will cover costs arising from the emergency response status. The provincial administration hopes the declaration will accelerate resource mobilization and coordination in disaster response efforts across affected areas. (Misni Parjiati)