On Sunday 5 August, Lombok suffered a 6.9-magnitude earthquake, the second to strike the popular Indonesian resort island in a week.
The earthquake, which has killed at least 82 people and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings, struck at 6.46pm local time on 5 August. The tremors could also be felt in Bali, where the airport suffered some minor damage, though not enough to force closure. All airports in Lombok and Bali, thankfully, continued to operate as usual.
The epicentre of the earthquake was in the north of Lombok near the province of Loloan, which sits at the base of active volcano Mount Rinjani. A tsunami warning was triggered for a brief time, but it was quickly lifted.
The aftermath this morning. We’re still waiting for help, tents, blankets, meals and water for at least 100 people & children. #earthquakelombok #earthquake #gempa #lombok pic.twitter.com/Vz3WVJkJNE
— Peduli Anak (@pedulianak) August 5, 2018
The aftershock
The United States Geological Survey said that strong aftershocks occurred after the main quake, with magnitudes ranging from 4.3 to 5.4. As of Monday morning, over 100 aftershocks had been recorded. American singer John Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen were in Bali during the incident, and Chrissy tweeted that they were okay.
another aftershock just now. probably the 8th one we have felt since the big one last night. we are safe, up high and nothing around us. thinking about everyone around us and in Lombok especially.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) August 6, 2018
Just a week ago
The 6.4-magnitude earthquake that happened in Lombok on 29 July struck at 5.45am, damaging over a thousand homes and claiming 14 lives.
What to do if an earthquake strikes near you
If you’re indoors, move towards an inner corner of the building, and stay away from windows, walls, glass or anything that could injure you if it falls. Find cover under sturdy furniture like a table, and cover your head with your arms. Do not use the elevator. If you are outdoors, do not move indoors. Stay away from buildings, power lines and street lamps. If you are in a moving vehicle, stop in a clear location, avoiding buildings, bridges, overpasses, ramps and power lines. Stay in the vehicle until the tremors stop. If you are in a tsunami hazard zone, move to higher ground or a safe zone if possible. Read more safety precautions here.
Helpline
If you are in Indonesia and are in need of emergency assistance, call any of the following numbers.
General emergency number: 112
Police: 110
Ambulance: 118
Fire department: 113
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