Flores Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 71 as Aid Efforts Continue

The death toll from a series of earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, has risen to 71, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). The latest fatality was reported in Nagekeo Regency, with fatalities recorded between August 15 and 19, 2026. BNPB Acting Head of Disaster Data, Information and Communication Berton SP Panjaitan expressed condolences to the families of those who died and assured that aid was being distributed to those staying in evacuation centers and affected areas.

BNPB has delivered 165 tons of relief supplies by air, and a total of 398 tons of aid had been distributed between August 15 and 18. However, land transport remains the main method of delivering assistance due to Flores' challenging geographical conditions. Aid distribution is being done gradually, depending on access conditions from subdistricts to evacuation points. Sea transportation is also being optimized to reach areas requiring large quantities of relief supplies.

Nearly 60,000 people have been evacuated, with the largest concentration in Manggarai Regency. The government's priority remains assisting displaced residents, as many have chosen not to return home due to damaged houses and concerns about aftershocks. Basic needs such as food, clean water, tents, mattresses, blankets, sanitation and hygiene supplies, and assistance for vulnerable groups are being met.

Evacuation efforts are not concentrated in a single location because earthquake survivors remain scattered across numerous areas.