Inp.polri.go.id - Kupang. East Nusa Tenggara  Governor Melkianus Laka Lena and East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darnoko conducted an emergency response operation following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores on Saturday (15/8/2026).

Focusing on evacuation, casualty registration, and infrastructure repair, the East Nusa Tenggara administration and local leadership (Forkopimda) mobilized dedicated aircraft provided by the East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief to survey damaged regencies directly. 

Preliminary data confirmed five fatalities, consisting of two in Sikka and three in Manggarai, caused by structural collapses, though search operations remain ongoing.

"The initial priority is rescuing and evacuating victims," Governor Melkianus said during a press conference. "The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police headquarters will serve as the centralized information and disaster management command post, issuing daily official joint updates to prevent misinformation."

The East Nusa TEnggara administration directed local contractors to deploy heavy machinery to clear roads blocked by landslides and debris, ensuring emergency logisitics, military-police responders, and medical teams can access isolated areas.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)