On Sunday, 29 July 2018, at 06.47am.Central Indonesia Time, Lombok residents were awakened by a strong earthquake registering 6.4 on the Richter Scale. The epicenter of the quake was in North East Lombok, some 50 km North East of the city of Mataram, and was caused by movements of the Flores plate, reported Indonesia’s Meteorological, Climatological
The island of Lombok lies directly East of Bali and has rapidly surged as a favorite tourist destination, among which are the Gili islands that include Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno; swathes of white sand at the south coast of Mandalika; majestic Mt. Rinjani volcano and more.
Image source: https://kumparan.com
Regretfully a number of casualties were reported with more being injured, mostly caused by collapsed houses. Nonetheless, No Tsunami Warnings were announced. Most inhabitants still prefer to remain outdoors in the fields. Evacuation centers have been set up immediately.
During the day, more aftershocks were registered, but Lombok’s International Airport remained open and operates as per usual.
Image source: http://indonesia.com
Although the quake was also felt in Bali and Sumbawa, life on both islands has continued its normal pace and all airports have remained open while air-traffic has operated as scheduled. Only Mt. Rinjani on the island of Lombok – favorite hiking trek for mountain climbers – has been temporarily closed due to landslides.
Image source: http://businesstoday.id
“Our crisis center keeps monitoring the updates on the situation in Lombok, and is in close contact and coordination with the regional government, related authorities and ground operators to ensure that all tourists who may be impacted by the quake will be well taken care of ”, assured Director for Public Communication of the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. Guntur Sakti.
Although the earthquake did not trigger a tsunami, nonetheless, the Ministry urges tourists in Lombok to remain alert, follow government instructions, and keep yourselves updated with information sourced from official Indonesian Government’s social media and websites.
Image source: https://www.tagar.id
Meanwhile, Lombok International Airport in Central Lombok operates normally, while other Indonesian tourist destinations are ready to welcome visitors.
President Joko Widodo has informed that he will be traveling soonest to Lombok to personally meet victims, asses damages and take measures to restore the life of the inhabitants as soon as possible and the island’s economy and wellbeing soonest.
Image source: Shutterstock
For more detailed information please contact :
Mr. Guntur Sakti.
Director of Public Communication Ministry of Tourism Republic of Indonesia
Phone +62 8127024856
Email: guntursakti3@gmail.com
Image source of header banner: Shutterstock
