986 Tourists Temporarily Stranded on Padar Island After NTT Earthquake

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, temporarily stranding 986 tourists on Padar Island. The halt in sea travel was a safety measure following the quake and a tsunami warning. The Ministry of Tourism confirmed all tourists were safely returned to Labuan Bajo after shipping routes resumed.

The ministry, along with the Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Agency (BPOLBF), prioritized tourist safety in managing the earthquake's impact across Flores, Alor, Lembata, and Bima. Tourists at hotels in Labuan Bajo were also evacuated to safe zones. Flight operations at Komodo Airport continue with technical checks, and sea travel is gradually reopening.

The earthquake also damaged some tourist facilities. Hotel Jayakarta in West Manggarai sustained damage, with guests and staff relocated. Hotel Papita Mbay in Nagekeo was severely damaged. Minor damage was reported at several Labuan Bajo hotels, and some restaurants also suffered light damage. A sign wall at Loh Liang in Komodo Island collapsed. Landslides and fallen electricity poles affected main routes across Flores.

The tsunami early warning issued by BMKG was lifted, but residents and tourists were urged to remain calm and follow official information due to the potential for aftershocks. Festival Golo Koe events in West Manggarai were canceled as a safety precaution.