Two Key Challenges in Supporting Children’s Recovery After the Flores Earthquake
SURABAYA — More than two weeks have passed since a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. According to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), as of 5:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB) on 4 September 2026, 12,064 aftershocks had been recorded following the initial earthquake, 172 of which were felt by residents. The continuing seismic activity has led authorities to extend the emergency response period until 12 September 2026.
The impact of the earthquake has also been felt in the communities supported by Yayasan ALIT Indonesia in Nita and Sikka Villages, Sikka Regency. The damage has not been limited to physical destruction. The continuing aftershocks have also left children experiencing fear and deep uncertainty.
Metodius Adolfus Pagi, ALIT Indonesia’s Flores Area Coordinator, reported that the Nita and Sikka areas generally did not experience severe structural damage. Most of the damage consisted of cracks in the walls of houses caused by the main earthquake on 15 August 2026. However, the families of ALIT-supported children Giscaya Lehan and her younger sibling, Felixia Keron, experienced more significant damage when their kitchen completely collapsed, despite the structure having only recently been completed.
Although physical damage in the area has been relatively limited, the community has yet to fully recover. The continuing aftershocks have left residents and children feeling unsafe. Metodius reported that the children have gradually begun sleeping inside their homes again and are generally in good condition. However, several children have developed severe flu symptoms after spending nearly two weeks living in emergency tents.
“The most significant impact felt by the community is actually the psychological and emotional distress. With so many aftershocks, it naturally creates a sense of insecurity in everyday life,” Metodius explained.
To help restore a sense of routine, elementary through high school classes began reopening on Monday (31 August), with limited hours and attendance. The initial focus has not been on academic material, but rather on disaster preparedness exercises and psychosocial support and trauma recovery activities, helping children regain a sense of safety. Meanwhile, children in kindergarten and early childhood education have not yet been allowed to return to school.
For Metodius, helping children recover requires more than simply bringing them back into the classroom. “What children need most during this recovery period is trauma recovery support and adequate nutrition,” he said.
Another challenge facing communities in Flores is a shortage of clean water amid the dry season. In areas such as Ladogahar and Nitakloang, the local water utility network has yet to reach residential areas, forcing residents to purchase water at a cost of IDR 250,000 for 5,000 liters.
The high cost of clean water is placing additional pressure on household finances, which have already deteriorated following the disaster. During the first two weeks, many parents were unable to return to farming or fishing. Although economic activities are now gradually recovering, many families continue to struggle to meet their basic needs.
The relatively limited physical damage in Nita and Sikka has also meant that less external assistance has reached the affected communities. Yet basic needs among affected families, including those of Giscaya and Felixia, remain ongoing. The most urgent needs currently include staple food supplies such as rice, eggs, and other essential groceries.
The situation demonstrates that disaster recovery does not end when people are able to return to their homes. For the children of Flores, surviving the initial earthquake is only the first step. They continue to need psychosocial support, adequate nutrition, and sustained assistance until they can fully recover and regain a sense of safety and stability.
