"The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) reported that as of Tuesday (September 5), there had been around 13,000 aftershocks, 177 of which were felt by residents. The activity is indeed showing a declining trend, but it remains fluctuating," Melki said on Wednesday.
BMKG estimates that aftershocks may continue for the next three to four weeks, requiring residents to remain vigilant and authorities to maintain a high level of preparedness.
The governor also urged the central government to continue addressing the needs of survivors, particularly as September and October approach the peak of the dry season, which could affect conditions at evacuation posts.
He added that authorities were continuing to collect data on damaged homes and affected communities to ensure government assistance and response measures were properly targeted.
To date, 3,042 damaged houses have been recorded, while data for another 1,252 houses are still being entered, and approximately 2,808 houses remain in the data collection stage.
"The verification team, which has received training from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), ensures that all data on damage and affected communities can be properly verified," Melki said.
He expects the next verification process to be completed next week, allowing the government to immediately determine response measures based on the validated data.
Furthermore, residents whose homes were severely damaged will be relocated to temporary shelters as part of efforts to address the housing needs of earthquake survivors.
Meanwhile, Sikka District Head Juventus Prima Yoris Kago expressed his appreciation for the NTT governor's presence in Maumere and the provincial government's support in assisting communities affected by the earthquake.
Kago said the number of evacuees in Sikka District continued to decline, with 925 families currently registered across several areas, including Palue, Kangae, and Nita sub-districts.
Six people died and several others were injured in the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck on August 15, 2026.
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Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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