Death toll from quake in Indonesia rises to 91

The death toll from a 7-magnitude earthquake that recently struck Indonesia’s tourist island of Lombok on August 5 has risen to 91. (Photo: AFP)

Hanoi (VNA) – The death toll from a 7-magnitude earthquake that recently struck Indonesia’s tourist island of Lombok on August 5 has risen to 91, said the Indonesia National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB).

The figure is expected to rise in upcoming days as hundreds of people are injured while thousands of buildings collapsed. Rescuers have yet to reach the island’s northern part, which was hardest hit.

Spokesman of the BNPN Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said no foreign visitor was killed in the quake. Three ships have been mobilised to evacuate about 1,000 tourists from high-risk areas.

An operation is also underway to evacuate some tourists from three tropical islands of the Gili archipelago, a few kilometres off the northwest coast of Lombok, which are particularly popular for backpackers and divers.

Nugroho said about 200 Indonesian and foreign tourists had left Gili, while 700 others are waiting for their turn.

According to search and rescue forces, one Indonesian tourist was killed in Gili Meno island while some others were wounded. Several hotels were damaged.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo instructed ministers, defence and police forces to increase disaster relief efforts.

A ship of Indonesia’s armed forces carrying relief goods including medical equipment, medicines and necessities is heading to Lombok island.

Head of Lombok district Najmul Akhyar said up to 80 percent of the area was destroyed. Power outages occurred, hindering the rescue work. Three schools which suffered the most damage have had to close until further notice.

The quake also affected Bali island, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, killing one and damaging dozens of houses and shrines.-VNA