Indonesia earthquake: Death toll rises to 98, over 200 injured
Indonesia earthquake
Over 200 people have been injured and more than 2,000 tourists have also been evacuated.
The death toll in Indonesia earthquake which struck popular tourist destination, Lombok Island increased to 98.
Over 200 people have been injured and more than 2,000 tourists have also been evacuated.
Following the major quake that jolted the holiday island, rescuers are fanning across Lombok to rescue tourists and locals who survived in the rubble houses, mosques and schools.
The Indonesian military is also sending in a ship with medical aid, supplies and logistical support.
However, the rescue efforts were hampered as the roads are all damaged and the debris has not been cleared away. Three bridges were also reported to be damaged.
The authorities are also suffering from a lack of personnel issue due to which rescuers are having a hard time in reaching some locations.
Rescuers were also quoted saying that in Gili island in Trawangan there are not even enough boats to evacuate everyone.
News agency Reuters reported that the number of victims is expected to rise further once the rubble of more than 13,000 flattened and damaged houses is cleared away, but due to the lack of heavy equipment, this would take time.
Last night a strong earthquake struck the Indonesian tourist island of Lombok, killing at least 91 people and shaking neighbouring Bali, one of Southeast Asia's leading tourist destinations.
It was followed by two light to moderate secondary quakes and nearly two dozen aftershocks.
Power and communications were cut in some areas of Lombok, with landslides and a collapsed bridge hampering access to the north.