BALINEWSID.COM, JAKARTA — National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Chief Lt. Gen. TNI Dr. Suharyanto and Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Pratikno are set to travel to areas affected by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Saturday (Aug. 15, 2026).

The earthquake struck at 4:58:24 a.m. local time, with its epicenter located offshore approximately 38 kilometers northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, at a depth of 15 kilometers. The earthquake initially triggered a tsunami warning and was strongly felt across several areas of East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi.

BNPB immediately deployed emergency response teams to assist local authorities with rapid assessments, victim response, damage assessments and the provision of basic necessities for affected residents.

The agency has also prepared logistical supplies and emergency equipment, including one helicopter to support the transportation of aid, emergency operations and, if necessary, evacuation efforts.

According to updated and validated data collected in the field as of 8 a.m., one person had died and four others were injured. The fatality was recorded in Sikka Regency, while the injured victims were reported in Sikka and Nagekeo regencies.

BNPB had initially reported two deaths. However, following verification and validation by personnel in the field, the death toll was revised to one. BNPB apologized for the discrepancy in the initial report and said verification of casualties and damage was still ongoing.

In Nagekeo, approximately 2,000 residents independently evacuated as a precaution following the earthquake and the tsunami warning.

Meanwhile, in Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara, one household comprising six people was reported to have been affected.

Preliminary assessments identified two heavily damaged houses, one moderately damaged house and two lightly damaged houses. One Bulog warehouse was also affected, along with three public facilities and six government offices that sustained damage or were otherwise impacted by the earthquake.

The damage figures remain preliminary and are still being verified by regional disaster management agencies and relevant authorities.

Strong shaking was reported in Nagekeo, Sikka and West Manggarai regencies in East Nusa Tenggara; Bima City and Bima Regency in West Nusa Tenggara; as well as Jeneponto, Selayar Islands and Maros in South Sulawesi.

Residents in several coastal areas temporarily evacuated in response to the tsunami warning.

Based on sea-level observations in the affected areas, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) confirmed that there was no longer any significant and dangerous rise in sea levels. The tsunami early warning was officially lifted at 7:31:30 a.m.

Despite the end of the tsunami warning, BNPB urged residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks. People were also advised not to enter buildings that had been damaged or developed cracks as a result of the earthquake and to follow instructions issued by local authorities.

In Nagekeo, emergency personnel continue to manage the situation. Roads have reportedly experienced congestion, while electricity remains out in some areas.

BNPB is continuing to coordinate with the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), affected district and city authorities, BMKG, the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police (Polri), as well as relevant ministries and government agencies.

The central government has assured that further support will be provided according to conditions on the ground, particularly for casualty management, evacuation, the provision of basic necessities, logistical assistance and equipment, and the recovery of affected communities.