Indonesia: Death toll from August 5 Lombok earthquake rises to 131 /update 7

Event

According to the National Disaster Management Agency, the death toll from the August 5 earthquake that hit Lombok Island has risen to 131, as of Wednesday, August 8. Local officials have estimated a much higher death toll of 347 people and expect that number to rise as rescue efforts continue in the area. In addition, nearly 1500 people have been severely injured and more than 165,003 people displaced. According to government estimates, 80 percent of the island's buildings were destroyed in the earthquake. Aftershocks are possible in the area in the coming days.

Context

The earthquake, originally registered as magnitude 7.0 but was subsequently downgraded to magnitude 6.9 by the US Geological Survey (USGS), struck off the northern coast of Lombok at 19:46 (local time) on August 5. Lombok was struck by another earthquake on July 29 that killed at least 16 people and weakened many structures which amplified the damage of the August 5 quake.

Indonesia lies within the active seismic zone known as "the Pacific Ring of Fire."

Advice

Individuals present in the impacted region are advised to monitor the situation, be prepared for further aftershocks, and heed all instructions issued by local authorities. Individuals elsewhere in Indonesia are advised to defer nonessential travel to the affected areas until further notice.

During an earthquake, 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 do 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.