Flores Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 5, Says NTT Governor

East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena announced that the death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, has risen to five. Speaking at a press conference in Kupang on Saturday, Lena noted that two victims died in Maumere, Sikka Regency, while three others died in Manggarai Regency. The fatalities were believed to have been caused by falling debris. Further confirmation of the cause would be provided after his visit to Flores.

Melki emphasized that the northern part of Flores bore the brunt of the earthquake, with the epicenter in Nagekeo. Several roads and landslides were reported following the disaster. He added that detailed casualty data would be presented after his assessment of the situation.

The President and several ministers have been directed to visit the affected areas, with the provincial government tasked with rapidly verifying data to ensure prompt distribution of emergency relief. The immediate priority remains evacuating earthquake victims to safety, and supermarkets have been asked to distribute food to those in need. Lena himself would travel to Flores on Saturday afternoon to inspect disaster locations in Maumere and other sites.