Threats of tsunamis and major earthquakes in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, which are circulating on social media are certainly not true or hoaxes. Therefore, tourists and local residents on Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Mano do not need to panic and ask to be evacuated. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) itself has stated that an earthquake with 7 Richter Scale that occurred on Sunday (5/8) was the main earthquake from the series of earthquakes that occurred since July 29, 2018. This was conveyed by the Head of Information and Public Relations Center (PR) ) National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Sutopo Purwo Nugroho in his press statement in Jakarta, Monday (6/8).
"Because there was an issue that there would be a subsequent tsunami, there would be a bigger earthquake and the issue that the three islands had to be emptied. So the issue is incorrect. That is a hoax. So in this case the tourists in three islands and in Lombok do not have to leave Lombok and the three gili. We give freedom if we still want to extend. The condition is safe. Indonesian Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has stated that the 7 Richter Scale earthquake that occurred yesterday was the main shock, the main earthquake from the previous series of earthquakes. From 6.4 on the Richter scale that occurred on July 29 to yesterday there were more than 527 aftershocks," Sutopo said..
Regarding handling efforts, Sutopo said the Meteorology Climatology and Geophysics Agency BNPB had sent 21 tons of logistical and equipment assistance to the earthquake victims in various districts and cities in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Twenty one tons of logistical assistance consists of ready-to-eat food, medicines, equipment and clean water. Even so, Sutopo explained, the aid delivery was hampered by several things, such as damaged road access, lack of heavy equipment, and inadequate number of personnel. The agency said that the post-earthquake emergency period that hit Lombok is carried out until 11 August 2018. This emergency response period was an extension of the handling of the impact of the 6.4 on the Richter scale earthquake that occurred last 29 July, 2018. (VOI/Rezha/AHM)