Indonesia: Third earthquake hits Lombok August 19 /update 11

Event

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck Lombok island shortly before 23:00 (local time) on Sunday, August 19, following two other strong tremors earlier in the day that left at least one person dead. Sunday evening's tremor hit approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) south of Belanting in northeastern Lombok. No tsunami warning was immediately issued. Details are still emerging and there is currently no information concerning potential casualties and damages. Additional aftershocks are likely in the coming hours.

Context

Lombok has been hit by a series of earthquakes and aftershocks in recent weeks, and is still recovering from two temblors that caused significant damage and loss of life. On July 29, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake triggered landslides, leaving at least 16 people dead. It was followed several days later on August 5 by a 7.0-magnitude quake that killed at least 460 people and displaced 270,000 others.

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.