Indonesia accelerates emergency response to magnitude 7.7 East Nusa Tenggara earthquake

Swift Government Response to Major Earthquake

The Indonesian government has launched a swift and coordinated response to the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on August 14, 2026, at 05:58 WITA, with its epicenter located 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende at a depth of 10 kilometers. Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono confirmed that President Prabowo Subianto had directed all government levels to respond rapidly and in coordination.

Several central government officials have been dispatched directly to Labuan Bajo, a fishing town at the western end of Flores Island that serves as the gateway to Komodo National Park, and to Maumere to ensure effective response on the ground. The government is prioritizing victim assistance, evacuation efforts, aid distribution, reopening severed access routes, and restoring connectivity and basic public services.

Earthquake Impact and Aftershocks

The earthquake, which occurred in a region situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire where the Eurasian, Pacific, and Australian tectonic plates meet, generated tsunami waves at 16 locations across four Indonesian provinces. The highest wave reached 0.94 meters at Maurole-Ende. Nearly 1,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the main quake, with the largest measuring magnitude 6.2, though only 46 were felt by residents.

More than 900 homes were destroyed and an additional 450 homes sustained damage across East Nusa Tenggara province, forcing approximately 5,000 people into temporary shelters. Landslides triggered by the earthquake cut off the Trans-Flores highway, a roughly 700-kilometer paved mountain road spanning Flores Island from Labuan Bajo in the west to Larantuka in the east, complicating relief efforts.

Government Priorities and Aid Distribution

The government is moving fast. The main priority is ensuring affected communities receive the assistance, aid, and services they need. Access to affected areas must also be secured quickly so the emergency response process is not hindered.

Tens of thousands of staple food packages provided through Presidential Assistance have been dispatched to meet the immediate needs of affected communities. The Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development continues consolidating efforts among the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Transportation, National Disaster Management Agency, regional governments, regional disaster management agencies, and other relevant parties.

Minister's Statement on Recovery Efforts

Yudhoyono, who has served as Coordinating Minister since October 21, 2024, expressed deep condolences to those who lost family members or suffered injuries and losses due to the earthquake. He emphasized that the government would remain on the ground throughout the emergency response period and into the recovery process.

On behalf of myself and the government, I extend my deepest condolences over the loss of life, injuries, and damage caused by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara. The government continues to coordinate and remain on the ground to ensure that the disaster emergency response, as well as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of homes, infrastructure, and public facilities, can proceed effectively, quickly, and appropriately.

East Nusa Tenggara experiences approximately 212 earthquakes of magnitude 4 or above per year on average due to its location in one of the world's most seismically active zones. Relevant ministries and agencies continue handling the response according to their respective duties and authorities as the government works to support the people of East Nusa Tenggara through the emergency response and recovery phases.