JAKARTA, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian government has disbursed an initial 44 billion rupiah (about 2.5 million U.S. dollars) to support disaster response in earthquake-hit areas of East Nusa Tenggara province, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said Wednesday.

This photo provided by Indonesia's National Search And Rescue Agency (Basarnas) shows rescuers evacuating an injured person after an earthquake, on Flores Island, Indonesia, on Aug. 16, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

The finance ministry is coordinating with the National Disaster Management Agency to ensure the availability of funding and smooth distribution of emergency assistance, Purbaya said.

Authorities are also monitoring the fiscal conditions of affected regions and assessing funding needs for post-disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Further financial support will be determined based on the extent of damage and the needs of each affected area, he added.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday, killing 71 people, injuring hundreds and forcing thousands to evacuate, while aftershocks continue to hit the region.