BNPB Reports Some Tourist Attractions in NTT Closed After M 7.7 Earthquake
Several leading tourist destinations on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, such as Rangko Cave, Wae Rebo Traditional Village, and Kelimutu National Park, have been temporarily closed following the M 7.7 earthquake, said BNPB.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported that several leading tourist destinations on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) have been temporarily closed.
This closure is to ensure the safety of tourists following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that shook the region.
Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Berton SP Panjaitan, stated in a press release in Jakarta on Tuesday (18/8/2026) that the temporary closure is for tourist attractions that require inspection and restoration of infrastructure feasibility.
"Several tourist spots are currently still temporarily closed, such as Rangko Cave in West Manggarai Regency, Wae Rebo Traditional Village in Manggarai, and Kelimutu National Park in Ende Regency," said Berton.
Berton explained that the local tourism authorities will continue to update official information regarding the reopening of these destinations.
The reopening will be carried out after the handling and safety verification are completed by officers in the field.
Nevertheless, tourism activities in and around Komodo National Park (TN) are confirmed to continue operating normally.
These destinations can be accessed by domestic and international tourists without any incidents.
Based on BNPB's data collection, a total of eight tourist attractions were reported to have sustained minor damage.
Meanwhile, in the tourism accommodation sector, two hotels and three homestays were recorded to have sustained severe damage.
In addition, 10 hotels and five homestays sustained minor damage, spread across several affected regencies, including Nagekeo.
"Ensuring the safety and security of all tourists, both domestic and international, as well as the feasibility of tourism infrastructure is a priority," said Berton.
BNPB previously reported preliminary data that more than 5,000 people were displaced, either independently or occupying evacuation posts.
This generally occurred because their homes were lightly to severely damaged due to the 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
Data collected by the joint field officers recorded at least 914 houses with severe damage, 126 with moderate damage, and 317 with minor damage, as a result of the earthquake's tremors.
Severe damage also affected dozens of public facilities, including 93 educational facilities, 36 health facilities, and 38 government offices.
As of Monday, August 17, 2026, there were 68 fatalities.
They came from Manggarai Regency with 26 people, East Manggarai Regency with 24 people, Nagekeo Regency with eight people, Sikka Regency with four people, Ende Regency with 2 people, and West Manggarai Regency with two people.
