NTT Earthquake Update: 47 Dead, Homes and Airport Damaged

A powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake centered in Nagakeo Regency, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) province, has claimed the lives of 47 people as of Saturday evening, according to preliminary data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The fatalities are spread across several regencies, with Manggarai recording 24 deaths, Manggarai Timur 17, Sikka 3, Ngada 1, and Ende 1. The disaster also resulted in extensive property damage, with 157 houses severely damaged, 41 moderately, and 148 lightly. Public facilities were not spared, with 87 educational facilities, 18 health facilities, 5 places of worship, and 6 offices reporting damage, alongside other public infrastructure.

The earthquake's impact extended to air travel, with five airports in the affected region sustaining damage. The Directorate General of Air Transportation reported damage to terminal buildings, administrative offices, fire-fighting facilities, and runway integrity at Soa Airport in Bajawa. Navigation service units in Labuan Bajo, Ende, Maumere, Bajawa, and Ruteng were also affected, though all personnel were reported safe.

In terms of road infrastructure, the Ministry of Public Works reported landslides on three key routes. Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear debris and maintain functional access on affected road sections, including those connecting Ruteng and the Manggarai Regency border, and Aegela and Ende City border. The ongoing assessment and recovery efforts aim to address the widespread damage and restore essential services in the affected areas.

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All personnel of the flight navigation service providers in the affected locations are reported to be safe.