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KUPANG, bhayaksa.net — The death toll following the catastrophic magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has risen to 100 as of Monday (24/8/2026). The increase in fatalities predominantly comprises critically injured victims who succumbed to their wounds while undergoing intensive care at various emergency medical facilities.
The Head of the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), Lieutenant General Suharyanto, confirmed that field medical responses are being maximized despite severe logistical challenges. “We must report that the total number of fatalities has reached 100 today. The majority were severely injured individuals who were evacuated during the initial days of the disaster but tragically deteriorated while receiving treatment at our health facilities,” Suharyanto stated during an online press conference on Monday.
In addition to the fatalities, updated data from BNPB reveals that 1.603 people sustained injuries and 180,327 residents remain displaced in temporary shelters due to structural damage and severe psychological trauma. Preliminary assessments of physical damage indicate that 73,818 residential units have been impacted—comprising 23,276 heavily damaged, 17,563 moderately damaged, and 32,979 lightly damaged houses. Furthermore, 1,915 public facilities, including schools and places of worship, have been reported damaged.
Seismic Activity Persists
Meanwhile, a magnitude 5.2 aftershock rattled the Ruteng area in Manggarai Regency early Monday morning at 04:20 AM local time. According to an official release by the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the epicenter of this shallow aftershock was located at a depth of 10 kilometers, triggered by the active Flores Back-Arc Thrusting fault zone.
As of Monday morning, BMKG has recorded a staggering total of 6,397 aftershocks since the main shock struck nine days ago. The Kupang Geophysics Station has strongly advised residents to stay away from compromised structures with visible cracks, as potentially disruptive aftershocks are projected to persist over the coming weeks.
Mobilization of Naval Medical Ships
To accelerate medical assistance for displaced populations across the affected islands, several floating medical assets have been deployed. The Indonesian Navy’s hospital ship, KRI dr. Suharso 990, is currently operational at Reo Port, working alongside the Ksatria Airlangga Floating Hospital anchored in East Manggarai to facilitate urgent surgical procedures and intensive emergency care.
Local governments in the worst-hit regencies, including Sikka, Manggarai, and Nagekeo, maintain an active state of emergency to bypass bureaucratic red tape, expedite logistics distribution, and streamline early rehabilitation efforts.
Reporter: Susana Emilia Taebenu
Editor: bhayaksa.net Team
