Third big quake hits Lombok

More lifesaving aid needed urgently as a third big quake hits Lombok

A third earthquake of 6.2 magnitude which struck Lombok yesterday has severely escalated the need for life-saving aid and slowed down rescue efforts.

With the latest quake adding to the trauma of the tens of thousands already in temporary shelters and under open skies, there is an increasing need for water, food, shelter, medical supplies, and other essentials.

Local organisations supported by Oxfam have been on the ground since the first big quake hit more than a week ago and are assisting 5,000 people with clean drinking water, food, and tarpaulin sheets, with plans to increase the delivery of aid.

Meili Nart, Oxfam Project Manager based in Lombok said: “The people here are severely traumatised. They’ve lost families or don’t know where they are. In many areas, over 80% of buildings, roads, and other facilities are destroyed. It’s a struggle to find water, food, electricity and other essentials.

“We’re trying to get aid to them as fast as we can. We also want to help them deal with the trauma too, but it’s difficult, and progress is slow due to conditions on the ground. We thank the government and local organisations for their tremendous efforts, but we need to do more.”

Monday’s 6.9 magnitude tremor, the largest so far, reportedly killed over 350 and destroyed the homes of over 150,000 people. Many caught in the rubble of collapsed buildings and in mudslides are still awaiting rescue.

Before the latest quake, the Indonesian Agency for Disaster Mitigation said the death toll and damage could be higher with conditions making it extremely difficult to assess the devastation. Earlier reports suggested at least 600,000 had suffered from impact of the major quakes and hundreds of tremors over the past two weeks.

Donations to support Oxfam’s emergency responses around the world can be made online at oxfam.org.nz/drf or by calling 0800 600 700.

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