At least 53 people were killed as aftershocks, landslides, and damaged roads complicate recovery efforts.

Indonesia marked its 81st Independence Day under the shadow of disaster in East Nusa Tenggara, where rescue teams continued searching damaged communities after a powerful earthquake killed dozens and forced thousands from their homes.

Death Toll Reaches at Least 53
The official death toll stood at 53 as of late August 16, following the earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara on August 15. The disaster was Indonesia’s deadliest earthquake since the 2022 West Java quake that killed hundreds, while affected areas included Sikka, Ende, and Manggarai.

Thousands Evacuated Amid Aftershocks
Thousands of residents were evacuated, with many staying in tents and refusing to return home because of continuing tremors. Nearly 1,600 aftershocks had been recorded in the province by August 17, while another magnitude-5.6 earthquake struck the Nagekeo area near the original epicenter that morning.

Rescuers Continue Searching Damaged Areas
Rescue operations continued on Independence Day, with teams focusing on affected buildings and aerial monitoring for possible victims. Fathur Rahman, head of the rescue office in Maumere, said personnel would use specialized extraction equipment and a helicopter, although authorities had received no reports of people officially missing at the time.

Around 500 Homes Damaged
National Disaster Mitigation Agency chief Suharyanto said approximately 500 homes were damaged, while landslides and blocked roads created additional difficulties across the province. Authorities prepared aircraft to transport essential supplies, including food and tents, into affected communities.

Emergency Hospitals Planned
The government also plans to establish emergency field hospitals in several locations. Deputy Health Minister Benjamin Paulus Octavianus said neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons were particularly needed to treat patients suffering from head injuries and broken bones.

The earthquake turned Indonesia’s Independence Day into a period of mourning and emergency response for communities in East Nusa Tenggara. For Indonesians, the disaster underscores the country’s persistent vulnerability to earthquakes and the importance of resilient infrastructure and rapid disaster response. For neighboring Singaporeans, it is another reminder of the natural disaster risks faced across Southeast Asia and the importance of regional humanitarian preparedness.

Sources: The Jakarta Post (2026) , Kontan (2026)

Keywords: Indonesia Earthquake, East Nusa Tenggara Earthquake, NTT Earthquake, Earthquake Victims, Indonesia Independence Day, Disaster Response