Indonesia Declares 14-Day Emergency After 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara

The provincial government of East Nusa Tenggara in Indonesia has declared a 14-day emergency response period following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Flores Island. According to a decree issued by East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena, the emergency response period will remain in effect from August 15 to August 28. The measure is aimed at facilitating disaster response, evacuation, relief distribution and recovery efforts in areas affected by the earthquake. The decree stated that the earthquake’s epicentre was located at a depth of 15 kilometres, approximately 30 kilometres northeast of Mbe in Nagekeo Regency. Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that the earthquake and 341 aftershocks resulted in 51 deaths and 113 injuries, according to a news agency report. Thousands of residents have been forced to seek shelter following the disaster. A total of 3,356 people were taking refuge in Sikka, 2,078 in Manggarai and 500 in Nagekeo, while others were displaced in Ende and Sabu Raijua. The earthquake caused extensive damage to infrastructure and residential properties. As many as 914 houses suffered severe damage, 126 sustained moderate damage and 317 suffered minor damage. The disaster also damaged 93 educational facilities, 36 health facilities and 38 government offices. Governor Melki Laka Lena said during a press conference in Kupang on Saturday that several roads had been cut off or closed because of landslides triggered by the earthquake, according to Xinhua News Agency. BNPB has begun sending food and other relief supplies to affected areas. The supplies include assistance transported from a logistics warehouse in East Flores Regency. Additional relief materials are also being dispatched from Jakarta through Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base. Several flights in East Nusa Tenggara province were cancelled following the earthquake, further affecting transportation and access to some of the affected areas. The earthquake struck early Saturday near the town of Mbe in Nagekeo Regency. A tsunami warning was issued following the quake but was later lifted by Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency. Rescue teams continue to operate in the affected areas, assessing casualties and the extent of damage while authorities coordinate evacuation, relief and recovery operations.