The Provincial Administration of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has declared a 14-Day “Emergency Response Status” for the period from 15 August until 28 August 2026. The “Status Tanggap Darurat” follows hundreds of earthquakes and aftershocks that shook the region after a magnitude-7.7 quake struck Flores on the morning of 15 August 2026.
The Governor of NTT, Melki Laka Leni, speaking from Kupang on Sunday, 16 August 2026, said: “The declaration of an emergency response status (for NTT) was done to accelerate the handling of the natural disaster resulting from the earthquakes, and also facilitate access, coordination, and inter-agency communication between available relief resources.
The Emergency Response Status was declared through NTT Gubernatorial Decree Number 305/KEP/HK/2026, regarding Emergency Disaster Response to the 15 August Earthquake and numerous aftershocks.
The Declaration was issued following the magnitude 7.7 major earthquake that occurred in Flores on 15 August 2026 at a depth of 15 kilometers, with an epicenter 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay in the Regency of Nagekeo,
The resulting natural disaster from the earthquake and aftershocks resulted in fatalities, numerous injuries, destruction of private homes and residences, infrastructure damage, and significant disruption to the daily life of the people across many regions in NTT.
Melki explained that the declaration of an emergency disaster response paves the way for the NTT Provincial Administration, the affected regencies and municipalities, the Armed Forces, Police, related agencies, local businesses, and the public to form a rapid, coordinated, and fitting emergency response in the widespread disaster area,
“The safety and welfare of the general public through the provision of basic and emergency necessities is the top priority in the current disaster situation,” said the Governor,
Continuing, the Governor emphasized that all available resources are being directed to support search, rescue, and evacuation of victims, as well as providing medical treatment and assistance. Melki added that the emergency response also focuses on establishing refugee relief areas, restoring transportation services, and rebuilding key elements of basic infrastructure.
The formal declaration by the NTT Province also addresses financial support for rescue and relief services, to be funded from Provincial Budgets and other sources.
The Governor is urging the public to remain calm in the face of the current disaster and also to seek ways to provide mutual assistance, while following all the guidance and directives from the Provincial Government, Disaster Relief Agency (BPBD), State Weather Bureau (BMKG), Armed Forces (TNI), Police, Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and other relevant agencies.
Related Links
NTT Provincial Government Website
NTT BPBD Website
BMKG NTT Website
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