Indonesia Earthquake: Sikka Residents Fearful as Aftershocks Persist

Residents in Indonesia's Sikka Regency are still experiencing aftershocks from a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The ongoing tremors have left many locals too afraid to return to their homes.

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They are still afraid to return home because the aftershocks are still happening.

Bupati (Regent) of Sikka, Juventus Prima Yoris Kago, reported that over a thousand people in Sikka alone are currently displaced. "They are still afraid to return home because the aftershocks are still happening," Kago stated in a phone interview. He confirmed that three fatalities have been recorded in Maumere, the capital of Sikka, and expressed hope that the death toll would not rise.

The Sikka Regency government is preparing to declare a disaster emergency status, though the duration has not yet been determined. "We are cooperating with everyone to ensure that post-disaster handling proceeds well, so that everything can be resolved," Kago said. Efforts are focused on providing services to the displaced population through various shelters.

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For the death toll, in Maumere (the capital of Sikka) three people were recorded. And we pray that it does not increase.

The earthquake caused damage to buildings, including those at El Say Port in Sikka. The region is among the hardest hit by the seismic activity, and the number of refugees is expected to increase as assessments continue. The government is working to ensure that all affected residents receive necessary support through established evacuation posts.

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We are cooperating with everyone to ensure that post-disaster handling proceeds well, so that everything can be resolved.