Govt Moves Swiftly to Address Impact of M7.7 Earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Government has moved swiftly to address the impact of a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Emergency response efforts are being carried out in a coordinated manner through the deployment of personnel, logistical supplies, heavy equipment, as well as air and sea transportation support to accelerate the evacuation of victims and restore essential services.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs, Pratikno chaired an online coordination meeting with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Indonesian Military (TNI), National Police (Polri), National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government. The Governor of East Nusa Tenggara, who was in Sikka Regency, also provided an update on conditions in the affected areas.

The government is prioritizing the rescue of victims who remain trapped under collapsed structures, medical treatment for those injured, and the fulfillment of residents’ basic needs. Health services and the restoration of vital infrastructure, including hospitals and transportation access, are also among the government’s main priorities during the initial emergency response phase.

“Rescue efforts, healthcare services, and the restoration of basic infrastructure, such as hospitals, must be prioritized,” he said.

Pratikno also called on the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government to immediately identify urgent needs on the ground, including the possible establishment of temporary hospitals, so that central government assistance can be deployed more effectively.

“Please identify these needs so that the central government can immediately provide support more effectively,” he mentioned.

Meanwhile, Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto called on local governments in the affected areas to immediately declare an emergency response status and activate command posts to strengthen coordination in impact assessment, search and rescue operations, and the management of displaced residents.

The BNPB has mobilized emergency logistical assistance from its warehouse in East Flores. At the same time, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has deployed special search and rescue teams from Bali and West Nusa Tenggara to assist in evacuating victims trapped under collapsed buildings.

The Ministry of Public Works has deployed resources to clear landslide debris blocking roads and waterways. The Ministry of Social Affairs has also dispatched logistical assistance from Kupang to affected areas, including Sikka and Nagekeo, while preparing public kitchens and psychosocial services through personnel from the Disaster Preparedness Cadets (Tagana).

In the health sector, the Ministry of Health has activated the Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) at both the central and regional levels. The Ministry’s Crisis Center team has also been dispatched alongside the BNPB team to strengthen emergency medical services in the affected areas.