Bali Earthquake: No Tsunami Threat, But 91 Dead
Magnitude 7.1 Quake Hits Indonesian Island
At least 91 people have died after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Lombok on Sunday, officials said. The quake, which hit at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), was centered about 50 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of the city of Mataram, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara province.
No Tsunami Threat
The US Tsunami Warning System said there were no threats of a tsunami as a result of the earthquake. However, the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami advisory for the nearby islands of Lombok, Bali, and Sumbawa.
The BMKG lifted the tsunami advisory about two hours after the earthquake. However, the agency warned that strong currents and waves were still possible in the affected areas.
Widespread Damage
The earthquake caused widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure in Lombok. Many homes and businesses were destroyed, and several roads and bridges were damaged.
The Indonesian government has deployed thousands of personnel to the affected areas to help with relief efforts. The government has also declared a state of emergency in Lombok and the neighboring islands.
Aftershocks Continue
Aftershocks continue to rattle Lombok. The BMKG has recorded more than 100 aftershocks since the main earthquake. The aftershocks are expected to continue for several days or even weeks.
The earthquake is a reminder of the seismic risks that face Indonesia. The country is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
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