An Earthquake with a magnitude-6.9 has struck northern part of Lombok Island in Indonesia on Sunday, August 5, 2018. This quake triggered a brief tsunami warning and damaging buildings as far away as Bali. This was followed by aftershocks with magnitudes of 5.4. At least 98 people were killed. Evacuation efforts are transporting thousands of tourists stranded on the island. This is after after another quake on Lombok killed more than a dozen only a week ago. Vatican News reports that at least one Catholic parish church in the city of Mataram in Lombok was damaged. Also, in the cathedral if Bali's capital, Denpasar, the ceiling fell. The local media quoted a priest saying the tremor struck after Mass ended, and thus, there were no casualties.
National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman said that, thousands of houses were damaged, and most of those killed were hit by collapsed houses, he said. The agency said 236 people were injured.
Vatican News reports that in a telegram sent to Indonesia’s Church and civil authorities, the Holy Father said he felt “great sadness” when informed of the “tragic loss of life and destruction of property caused by the earthquakes”.
The Pope said he is praying for “the repose of the deceased, the healing of the injured, and the consolation of all who grieve the loss of their loved ones.”
Pope Francis encouraged the search and rescue efforts and invoked “upon the people of Indonesia divine blessings of consolation and strength.”
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