Preliminary reports indicate at least 21 houses and a primary school building were damaged in West Manggarai, Flores, with similar incidents affecting the neighboring district.
MANGGARAI BARAT, Indonesia — Powerful winds swept through parts of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) this week, causing significant structural damage across several districts, including the region surrounding Komodo National Park. Initial assessments by local disaster agencies report at least 21 homes and one elementary school building were damaged, with the possibility of the tally rising as further reports come in.
The most concentrated damage occurred in Komodo District, within West Manggarai Regency, where 17 homes were affected across several villages including Waeklambu, Pasir Putih, Watu Nggelek, and Pasir Panjang. Additional damage was reported in the districts of Boleng, Mbeliling, and Sano Nggoang. One primary school in Welak District also sustained damage.
Oktavianus Andi Bona Adu, the Acting Head of the West Manggarai Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), provided the preliminary figures on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. He noted that most residential damage was minor, primarily involving roof sections torn off or structures struck by fallen trees. Fortunately, there have been no reports of casualties related to the incident. The local government is reportedly preparing material aid to assist residents with repairs.
Incidents Extend to Neighboring Flores Timur
The severe weather was not isolated to West Manggarai. Over the past three days, strong winds also caused damage in Flores Timur Regency, to the east. Local officials reported three houses were damaged in the Larantuka area.
In one instance, a large tree from a former cooperative field fell onto the home of resident Rita Senak in Sarotari Tengah on Tuesday night. “A big tree fell toward my house,” Senak explained. The family was forced to seek temporary shelter at a nearby shop. She estimated the damage included approximately 30 sheets of roofing and several structural beams. Officials from the Flores Timur BPBD have visited the site to conduct assessments.
These weather-related incidents highlight the vulnerability of structures in the region during periods of intense seasonal winds. For the international community and travelers in Bali, they serve as a reminder of the varied and sometimes severe weather patterns that can affect different parts of the Indonesian archipelago.
Hey Bali News monitors regional events across Indonesia to keep our readers informed about developments that may impact travel and community safety.
Video: Strong Winds Damage Homes and School in Indonesia’s Komodo Regionhttps://t.co/al5ppKTwYz#labuanbajo #komodo #weather #heybalinews pic.twitter.com/NXg0WQ3Of8
— Hey Bali (@Heybaliinfo) January 15, 2026
#heybalinews
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