Jakarta. The death toll from the powerful earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province has risen to 71 as rescue and relief efforts continue.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) confirmed the latest figure on Wednesday, while warning that thousands of aftershocks continue to rattle the region.

“Total fatalities have increased by one to 71, with the latest victim recorded in Nagekeo,” BNPB Acting Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center Berton Suar Pelita Panjaitan said during a virtual briefing.

The government and related agencies are continuing to assist displaced residents at evacuation centers across the affected areas. BNPB also expressed its condolences to the victims and their families.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) recorded 3,055 aftershocks from the magnitude 7.7 Flores earthquake by 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday, according to an update from the Manggarai emergency response post.

The aftershocks ranged from magnitude 1.1 to 6.2. At least 88 were felt by residents, while 25 had magnitudes above 5.0.

BMKG Deputy for Geophysics Nelly Florida Riama said the large number of aftershocks was part of the natural process of releasing energy following a major earthquake.

“The aftershocks are part of the process of the Earth's crust adjusting and releasing energy to reach a new equilibrium after a major earthquake,” Nelly said.

BMKG has urged residents in affected areas to remain calm but vigilant and continue monitoring official government instructions.

More than 25,000 Displaced in Manggarai

In Manggarai district, one of the hardest-hit areas, authorities reported that 25,340 people were displaced across 60 evacuation centers as of Wednesday. Across the province, the total number of displaced people reached 40,000.

Manggarai Regent Herybertus GL Nabit said basic needs at centralized evacuation sites were largely being met, although supplies remained insufficient to cover all displaced residents.

The situation is more difficult at independently established evacuation sites created by local communities, where supplies are significantly more limited.

“The availability of basic necessities and other supplies is still far from adequate, so we have not been able to meet all needs,” Nabit said.

He identified tents as the most urgent requirement, saying many existing shelters were inadequate.

“We need tents first because those currently available at both centralized and independent evacuation sites are still far from adequate,” he said, adding that BNPB had provided some tents but the number was insufficient.

Authorities are also seeking additional food supplies, blankets, clothing, and medicines for displaced residents as recovery efforts continue.

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