A-PAD Indonesia is responding to the deadly earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province. The team is conducting field assessments in the affected areas, coordinating with local governments, disseminating information, and preparing for future health, psychosocial, and livelihood support.

West Manggarai Regency (August 16, 2026; East Nusa Tenggara Province)

According to the damage report released on August 18 by the East Nusa Tenggara Province FPRB (Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Forum) and the provincial disaster management agency,70 people have been reported dead, 305 injuries, and 19,645 displaced persons (2,681 households), with 7,968 houses, 744 public facilities and infrastructure units, and 32 transport network sections damaged.

A-PAD Indonesia’s policy is to first assess the situation on the ground firsthand and coordinate with relevant agencies before determining the most effective form of assistance. Current humanitarian needs are wide-ranging, encompassing emergency shelter, food and daily necessities, clean water and sanitation facilities, medicines and medical services, psychosocial support, aid for vulnerable groups, and power and communication equipment.

West Manggarai Regency (August 16, 2026; East Nusa Tenggara Province)

Partnerships

A-PAD Indonesia began coordinating with the West Manggarai Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and has been working to identify priority needs for the emergency response. This collaboration aims to complement the government-led response and avoid the duplication of aid efforts.

Temporary tent (August 17, 2026; West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province)

Field Assessments

The A-PAD team has conducted initial assessments in the target areas of Walu Roka, Walu Roka Pesisir, and Golo Mori in West Manggarai Regency to evaluate the damage and identify priority needs. The team is also conducting assessments in Mbeliling District where severe damage has been reported.

According to reports from the field, the FPRB (Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation) led a damage assessment in Goromori Village. While no casualties were confirmed within the village, damage was reported to three houses and two elementary schools.

In addition, temporary evacuation tents have been set up for residents who feel uneasy about sleeping at home due to ongoing aftershocks. Information gathered at the village level has been submitted to the West Manggarai Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and is being verified by the respective village heads. These field assessments help determine the scale of future aid and the areas to be targeted.

Health and Psychosocial Support

Based on available resources and the findings of field assessments, A-PAD Indonesia is planning on the provision of basic health services and psychosocial support. The team has already confirmed its internal capacity to mobilize resources and to support community-led communal kitchens while also addressing immediate needs.

To Deliver Accurate Information

With unverified information spreading on WhatsApp and social media, the importance of disseminating accurate information has become even greater. The team is working on creating guidelines for information and communication management during emergencies

In addition, A-PAD is working with the West Manggarai Provincial BPBD to coordinate the inclusion of official hotlines and contact information in public relations materials. The aim is to enable residents to check and verify emergency information.

Best practices from the field: Disaster Preparedness Certification

The Jayakarta Suites Komodo Flores in Labuan Bajo is one of the facilities certified with the Hotel Disaster Preparedness Certification. The recent earthquake caused damage ranging from moderate to near-major damage, with several columns on the facade showing deformation and bending, raising concerns about structural safety. 

On the other hand, the hotel’s response to the earthquake has also attracted positive attention. When the earthquake struck, the hotel was almost at full occupancy, and many staff members were already on duty or on standby as it was before breakfast time. The staff immediately guided all guests to safety and then distributed them to several nearby hotels. The evacuation and relocation proceeded relatively quickly, and all guests were able to be moved to other safe hotels within about two to three hours.

How You Can Help

By Credit Card

https://apadm.org/donate

Crowdfunding – READYFOR

https://readyfor.jp/projects/indonesia-earthquake2026

Yahoo! Donations

https://donation.yahoo.co.jp/detail/5144015