Indonesia Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 54 as Authorities Assess Casualties
Indonesia earthquake death toll rises to 54.
The death toll from a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province has risen to 54, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said on Monday. Authorities are continuing to assess casualties and damage across affected areas, while rescue teams provide medical assistance to hundreds of injured people. The earthquake caused extensive damage to homes and public infrastructure and displaced more than 12,000 people as of Sunday.
The earthquake was centred around 30 km northeast of Mbay in Nagekeo Regency at a depth of approximately 15 km, according to an emergency response decree issued by the provincial government. The quake struck early Saturday and triggered a tsunami warning that was later lifted by Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency. Aftershocks continued to be recorded as emergency teams worked to assess the situation.
The earthquake damaged 914 houses heavily, 126 moderately and 317 lightly, according to the provincial government. Public infrastructure was also affected, including 93 educational facilities, 36 health facilities and 38 government offices. Damage to Manggarai Regional Hospital disrupted local health services, prompting authorities to prepare a field hospital at Golo Dukal Stadium to provide medical assistance to affected residents.
Also Read: Indonesia Earthquake: Survivors Recount Terrifying Moments After 7.7-Magnitude Quake
Authorities have deployed land, sea and air transport to support rescue, evacuation and relief operations in remote areas. The response includes 11 aircraft and helicopters being used to transport essential supplies and assist evacuation efforts, including on Palue Island in Sikka Regency. Some roads were also cut off or blocked by landslides, complicating access to affected communities and the movement of emergency teams.
The East Nusa Tenggara provincial government has declared a 14-day emergency response period from August 15 to August 28. The measure is intended to facilitate disaster response, evacuation, distribution of relief supplies and recovery operations across affected areas. Several flights in the province were cancelled following the earthquake, adding to transportation challenges during the emergency response.
Rescue and assessment teams remain deployed as authorities continue to determine the full extent of casualties and damage. BNPB chief Suharyanto said efforts were ongoing to assist injured residents and respond to communities affected by the disaster. Authorities are also monitoring continuing aftershocks and working to restore access and essential services in areas where infrastructure has been damaged.
Also Read: Indonesia Earthquake: Survivors Recount Terrifying Moments After 7.7-Magnitude Quake
