NTT Targets Early October Deadline for Flores Earthquake Damage Data

Labuan Bajo — East Nusa Tenggara Governor Emmanuel Melkiades Laka Lena said verification of earthquake damage across Flores is targeted to finish between September and early October 2026, according to reporting by RRI and Media Indonesia. The final inventory is meant to support rehabilitation, reconstruction and housing assistance.

RRI quoted Melki as saying in Kupang on Monday, 14 September 2026, that the government wants the data collection and public review process completed by early October. Media Indonesia likewise reported that the provincial government is consolidating a single dataset on earthquake damage and losses to support recovery planning.

The verification covers damaged homes and public facilities, with officials using field checks and public review to validate classifications, according to the two reports. Residents are expected to be able to check whether their homes were recorded and to contest damage labels if they believe they were classified incorrectly.

The aim is to produce a final, verified inventory before aid and rebuilding plans are approved. That inventory is expected to guide the distribution of recovery support and reconstruction work across affected areas in Flores.

How the recovery data is being used

According to Media Indonesia, the provincial government is coordinating with the regional disaster agency, or BPBD, and using geospatial tools, drone mapping and geo-tagging to verify data. RRI reported that the governor said the final data would be used as the basis for assistance and rebuilding.

Media Indonesia reported that, as of 15 September 2026, preliminary provincial data showed extensive impacts on housing, education, health care and public offices. RRI reported separately that 51,591 homes had been verified nationally, out of 102,384 initially recorded for assessment across affected areas.

The reports show the verification process is still under way and that the government is moving from emergency response toward recovery planning. They also indicate that the timeline is intended to reduce disputes over eligibility and improve the targeting of aid.

Timeline

• 14 September 2026: The governor discussed the verification timetable in Kupang.
• September to early October 2026: The government aims to complete verification and public review.
• After validation: Reconstruction, rehabilitation and housing assistance are expected to proceed using the final data.

Sources

• RRI.co.id
• Media Indonesia