Panic ensues due to the unexpected earthquake on Wednesday morning (May 8).
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) agency confirmed that an earthquake of 5.2 magnitude occurred in Bali, Lombok, and surrounding areas on Wednesday, the 8th of May, at 6.09 AM Central Indonesian Time. The agency also reported that the origin point of the earthquake was located within the seas, precisely 97 kilometres southwest of West Lombok.
Although there have been no reports of damage or casualties as of the publication of this article, the incident sparked panic among residents in Bali and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) provinces.
“I panicked and left the house with my family,” Yanuar Usman, a resident of Mataram, NTB, told the local press on the same day.
“Once I felt the earthquake, I immediately brought my children out of the house,” Emilia, another resident of Mataram, shared her experience with the local press. “I am still traumatised by an earthquake that once happened here back in 2018.”
Based on BMKG data, the earthquake was most particularly felt in areas such as Badung, Denpasar, Gianyar, Tabanan, Central Lombok, West Lombok, East Lombok, Mataram City, North Lombok, and West Sumbawa.
The Head of the Mataram Geophysics Station, Ardhianto Septiadhi, further explained that the earthquake was unlikely to cause a tsunami.
“The modelling results show that this earthquake does not have the potential for a tsunami,” Septiadhi told the press.
The Head of Earthquake and Tsunami Centre of BMKG, Daryono, also cautioned the residents of Bali and NTB provinces to keep their guard up, noting that any information concerning the earthquake can be monitored via BMKG’s social media channels. As of the publication of this article, there is yet a report concerning a second jolt following the earthquake that took place on Wednesday morning.
“We also urge the community to avoid buildings that are cracked or damaged due to the earthquake. Before returning home, check and make sure that the residential building is earthquake-resistant or free from damage,” Daryono closed.