A 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia Sunday night, one week after the nation experienced a 6.4 magnitude earthquake, which killed 15 and injured 162 people.
This earthquake struck the tourist island of Lombok, killing 98 people and injuring hundreds. Though very popular with visitors, those killed in the earthquake, Sunday, were Indonesian nationals. Officials are still searching for missing people among the rubble and estimate that the number of dead and injured persons will climb.
Due to the previous earthquake in Indonesia, last weekend, structures on the island of Lombokwere already weakened. This latest 6.9 magnitude quake caused buildings to crumble and collapse, killing and injuring those who fled to the streets.
The shocks of the earthquakes could be felt in Bali, another tourist island, neighboring Lombok, with aftershocks continuing through the night. The total of those killed in Bali due to the earthquake are only two at this time.
According to Indonesia’s Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, head of the Disaster Management Department, the number of those displaced by the earthquake has risen to 20,000.
Thousands of tourists who were visiting Lombok convened on the Gili Islands to be evacuated. Due to low tide, they were previously unable to leave, however, according to CNN, nine ships are now scheduled to transport them off the islands.
In addition to sea evacuation, the airport in Lombok has also increased its departing flights.
Please join us in prayer for Indonesia and those affected by this horrible tragedy.
Publication Date: August 6, 2018
Photo Courtesy: Facebook
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