Indonesia: Recovery efforts ongoing in Lombok July 30 /update 3

Event

Recovery efforts are ongoing across the island of Lombok as of Monday, July 30, following a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that hit the area on Sunday, July 29. Rescue workers are evacuating several hundred hikers from Mount Rinjani who were stranded by the quake. According to government officials, as of Monday, the earthquake killed 14 people and injured over 160 others on Lombok. Thousands of homes were also damaged and hundreds of residents have been left homeless. Aftershocks are possible in the coming hours and days in the area.

Context

The earthquake struck 1 km (0.6 mi) southwest of Lelongken at approximately 06:47 on July 29. A 5.4-magnitude aftershock occurred shortly after the initial quake approximately 49 km (30 mi) northeast of the city of Mataram. According to officials, East Lombok regency was hit the hardest and further damage was reported in North Lombok regency. The quake also caused a landslide at Mount Rinjani.

Indonesia lies within the active seismic zone known as "the Pacific Ring of Fire." In December 2016, a powerful and shallow earthquake hit Western Aceh province killing 97 people and injuring 500 others.

Advice

Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to monitor the situation, be prepared for further aftershocks, and heed any potential instructions issued by local authorities.

In the event of earthquakes, individuals are advised to protect themselves as much as possible from falling debris if indoors (e.g. under a table), to move away from windows and exterior walls, and to not attempt to leave the building unless there is an immediate danger. If outdoors, move away from any tall structures, such as buildings, utility wires, and streetlights.