Major Earthquake Disrupts Tourism, Public Facilities in NTT

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - A 7.7‑magnitude earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday, August 15, 2026, affecting tourism and infrastructure across Flores Island. Several key tourist destinations have been closed, and reports indicate damage to homes, public facilities, and accommodations.

Acting Head of the Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Berton SP Panjaitan, said the temporary closures were necessary to ensure tourist safety and allow officials to inspect infrastructure conditions.

“Several tourist sites remain temporarily closed, including Rangko Cave in West Manggarai Regency, the Wae Rebo Traditional Village in Manggarai, and Kelimutu National Park in Ende Regency,” Berton said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, as cited by Antara.

He said the destinations will reopen once response measures and safety verification are completed. Regional tourism authorities will continue providing updates to the public and tourists regarding reopening schedules.

BNPB data shows that eight tourist attractions sustained minor damage. Meanwhile, two hotels and three homestays suffered heavy damage. Another 10 hotels and five homestays across several affected regencies, including Nagekeo, sustained minor damage.

“Ensuring the safety of all tourists, both domestic and international, and the integrity of tourism infrastructure is the priority,” Berton said.

Despite the impact on several destinations, tourism activities in the Komodo National Park area and its surroundings continue to operate normally. The area remains accessible to domestic and international visitors, and no incidents have been reported there.

BNPB has recorded more than 5,000 displaced residents, either evacuating independently or staying in evacuation centers. Most residents fled because their homes were damaged by the earthquake’s tremors.

Data from the joint field team shows that at least 914 houses were heavily damaged, 126 were moderately damaged, and 317 were lightly damaged.

Public facilities also sustained significant damage, including 93 educational facilities, 36 health facilities, and 38 government offices.

The earthquake also resulted in fatalities. As of Monday, August 17, BNPB recorded 68 deaths: 26 in Manggarai Regency, 24 in East Manggarai, eight in Nagekeo, four in Sikka, two in Ende, two in West Manggarai, and two in Ngada.

These figures show the earthquake’s widespread impact, affecting residential areas, public facilities, and the tourism sector -- a key driver of economic activity in Flores. Efforts to restore damaged destinations and accommodations are underway alongside aid distribution and infrastructure repairs. ***