Second earthquake hits “traumatised” Lombok
A magnitude 6.2 earthquake has hit Lombok in Indonesia less than a week after a massive 6.9 magnitude quake killed at least 259 people.
The quake struck on Thursday afternoon, sending panicked residents of the northern city of Mataram into the streets.
The Guardian reports this was the biggest of 355 aftershocks since Sunday night’s quake, which left over 100,000 people homeless.
Al Jazeera reported that 80 per cent of buildings have been destroyed since the initial quake a week ago.
Rescue agencies and the military are still trying to work out the exact death toll, but Indonesia’s top security minister, Waranto, told reporters it had risen to 319.
The Indonesian Red Cross said around 20,000 people in remote areas of the island are still in need of aid.
Thousands of tourists have evacuated the island since Sunday, with many airlines forced to provide additional flights according to the ABC.
DFAT is advising Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Lombok, including the Gili Islands.
Australian consular officials on #Gili #Lombok #Bali have assisted more than 150 Aussies (+ 🇨🇦🇳🇿) affected by #earthquake. Team remains at Lombok airport which continues to operate. Gili evacuation “calm and orderly”-consular operations will continue 8 Aug @KonJenBali🇦🇺🇮🇩
— Julie Bishop (@HonJulieBishop) August 7, 2018
The most recent advice on the Smartraveller website advises travellers to: “Reconsider your need to travel to Lombok, including the Gili Islands, following the powerful earthquake of 5 August 2018.”
“The earthquake caused widespread damage to infrastructure and/or loss of life in North, West, Central, and East Lombok and the Gili Islands.”
According to the Smartraveller website, essential services are disrupted, medical facilities are under strain and there is risk of more aftershocks.
“Tourists are currently being evacuated from affected areas in north-east and west Lombok, and the Gili Islands. Many tourist facilities, including hotels and restaurants, are damaged or not operating,” said Smartraveller.
“Indonesian authorities are focussed on immediate relief efforts in what has been a serious natural disaster.”
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