Hikers trapped in Indonesia – Asia – International

More than 500 hikers and their guides were trapped by landslides on the slopes of an active volcano on the island of Lombok, more than 24 hours after a powerful earthquake that struck this Indonesian station, reported Monday. "There are still 560 people trapped, five hundred in the region of Segara Anakan and 60 in Batu Ceper," said Sudiyono, the director of Rinjani National Park, who, like many people in Indonesia, did not only one name. Helicopters and ground rescue equipment were deployed to cover the slopes of Mount Rinjani, which is packed with popular hiking trails.

At least 16 people were killed and hundreds of buildings destroyed by the earthquake. , a telluric movement of magnitude 6.4 with a shallow epicenter, which caused panic in the population Sunday at dawn.

The tremor also released rocks and mud on Mount Rinjani, blocking roads. This training, which takes place at approximately 3726 meters above sea level, is the second highest volcano in Indonesia and is a favorite spot among hikers for its breathtaking views.

Mountain hiking trails were closed after earthquake on fears of new landslides.

The epicenter was located 50 kilometers northeast of the main city of Lombok, Mataram, said the US Geological Survey (USGS), located away from the southern tourist areas and to the west from the island. The earthquake was followed by two strong tremors and more than 100 aftershocks

AFP