Lombok island hit by second powerful earthquake in a week

The 6.9 magnitude quake hit the north of the popular tourist island, which experienced a further 120 aftershocks, the BBC reports.

It comes just a week after Lombok experienced another powerful earthquake, claiming more than a dozen lives.

The island attracts both beach holidaymakers and walkers and hikers. Some 500 people became trapped on volcanic Mount Rinjani following last Sunday’s earthquake.

Tremors were felt some 100 to 150 miles west in Bali, where it caused further widespread disruption and damage, and resulted in one death.

Thousands have since been evacuated from the nearby Gili Islands too, popular with divers.

Airports on Lombok and Bali are operating normally following the latest seismic activity in the area, known as the Ring of Fire.

The Foreign Office has issued fresh guidance to British travellers in the region following the latest earthquake.

"On August 5, the north east of the [Indonesian] island of Lombok experienced an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 followed by a number of other smaller earthquakes in the same area.

"Initial reports indicate damage to buildings in Lombok, the Gili Islands and Bali. If you’re in the area, you should monitor local media, exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities."