29-8-2023 (BALI) A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake, followed by several aftershocks, shook Bali and other Indonesian islands on Tuesday, causing panic among tourists but resulting in no significant damage, as reported by the US Geological Survey (USGS).
The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 515 kilometers off the northeastern coast of Bali at around 3:55 am local time (19:55 GMT on Monday), according to the USGS. The tremors were felt across Bali, as well as in the nearby islands of Lombok and Sumbawa.
Residents of Bali described experiencing a stronger and longer second aftershock compared to the initial quake. Ardylla Yuliacitra, 31, shared her experience, stating, “When the first earthquake struck, I woke up my husband. Not long after that, the second earthquake struck, so we immediately took our children outside. The first earthquake made me sway like on a boat, and the second made my house tremble.”
Within minutes of the main quake, the USGS recorded aftershocks measuring 5.4-magnitude and 5.6-magnitude respectively.
In response to the seismic activity, hotels evacuated their guests while staff members checked the beaches for any signs of a potential tsunami. Nimas Ayu, spokesperson for the Artotel hotel in Bali’s eastern Sanur area, explained their response, saying, “We calmed (guests) and provided mineral water and towels for those who were evacuating. Then after 15 to 20 minutes, when things felt safe, the staff invited guests to return to their rooms.”
The epicenter of the earthquake was located 181 kilometers northeast of the Gili Islands, which are situated off the coast of Lombok and can be reached from Bali by a short boat ride.
Indonesian authorities quickly ruled out the possibility of a tsunami and reported no immediate damage. The Bali disaster mitigation agency stated, “Our teams are carrying out assessments as they are still collecting reports from the people.”
Indonesia is prone to frequent earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for intense seismic activity that stretches from Japan through Southeast Asia and across the Pacific basin.
In November, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the densely populated West Java province on the main island of Java, resulting in the loss of 602 lives.
One of the most devastating earthquakes in Indonesia’s history occurred off the coast of Sumatra on December 26, 2004. This earthquake, measuring 9.1-magnitude, triggered a massive Indian Ocean tsunami that claimed the lives of over 230,000 people in countries as far as Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand.
