EAST MANGGARAI, JurnalPost.com – A total of 1,331 people from 345 households (KK) in Deno Village, South Lamba Leda District, East Manggarai Regency, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), are still staying in several emergency evacuation posts after a tectonic earthquake shook the region starting Saturday (August 15, 2026).
No fatalities were reported due to the disaster. However, a number of residents suffered injuries and had to receive medical treatment at the Bea Muring Community Health Center (Puskesmas).
Due to safety considerations and concerns regarding aftershocks, the treatment process for several patients was carried out in an outdoor area using emergency tents.
The earthquake also caused damage to residents' settlements. A number of houses were reported to have suffered heavy damage, making them uninhabitable.
This condition has led many residents to choose to build tents independently around their yards using available materials, such as tarpaulins, wood, and bamboo. In addition to their homes being damaged, this step was taken to anticipate the possibility of aftershocks.
Bad Weather Adds to Evacuees' Difficulties
The situation at the evacuation sites is becoming more difficult because bad weather has reportedly hit the area in the last few days. Infants and children are the most vulnerable groups facing evacuation conditions with limited facilities.
Residents also complained that the aid received so far is still insufficient to meet the needs of all evacuees.
According to residents, emergency aid from the East Manggarai Regency Government that has been received consists of approximately 300 kilograms of rice and two trays of eggs, or about 60 eggs.
With the number of evacuees reaching 345 households, residents hope that logistics supplies and evacuation facilities can be increased immediately, especially ready-to-use tents that are more suitable for weather conditions.
Residents Still Traumatized by Aftershocks
In addition to housing and basic needs issues, trauma from the earthquake is still felt by the community. Aftershocks, which are said to still be occurring, have made some residents afraid to return to their homes.
Nikolaus Adimus, a Deno Village resident affected by the earthquake, admitted that he is still filled with fear.
“We are scared and traumatized, which is why we don't dare to stay inside the house. We are afraid because almost every night, even though we are already at the evacuation post, aftershocks continue to shake,” said Nikolaus when met at the evacuation site.
A similar condition was expressed by Nardo, another Deno Village resident. According to him, the limitation of community activities has begun to impact food availability.
“For several days we have been at the evacuation post, we just eat whatever is available. The geographical condition of the residents' gardens is mostly on the hillsides. We are afraid and do not dare to go to the gardens because we are worried that aftershocks could cause rock material to fall from the hills,” said Nardo.
Concerns about the potential for rockslides have led some residents to choose not to visit the gardens that have been their source of livelihood.
Residents Hope for Immediate Aid Distribution
Deno Village residents hope that the East Manggarai Regency Government through the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), together with humanitarian organizations and other related parties, can immediately strengthen the handling of evacuees.
A number of needs considered most urgent at this time include ready-to-use tents or shelters, ready-to-eat food, baby and child supplies, medicines, and basic necessities.
Supplies of food ingredients such as rice, instant noodles, cooking oil, eggs, milk, and canned food are also urgently needed to meet the needs of hundreds of families who are still in evacuation.
Residents hope that aid can immediately reach all evacuation points so that the basic needs of the earthquake-affected community can be met while they are unable to return to their respective homes.
Author: Savio Darman
Report from Deno Village, South Lamba Leda District, East Manggarai Regency, NTT. Can be contacted via WhatsApp: 081236427252.
Comments 0
Write a Comment Share your response