An early morning Monday post from the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta confirmed that two of our country’s citizens have died in yesterday’s Lombok earthquake.
Both died in a landslide triggered by the 5.8 magnitude quake at 2:07pm, followed by a 5.2 aftershock two minutes later.
https://www.facebook.com/EmbassyMalaysiaJakarta/posts/1866940203410609
The first victim was identified as Datin Tai Siew Kim, 56, a deputy executive chief editor at
Sin Chew Daily, one of Malaysia’s most popular Chinese newspapers; the second victim was named as Lim Sai Wah. Her body was found stuck amidst debris that had fallen near the Tiu Kelep waterfall sightseeing spot. Rescuers have, as of yet, not been able to remove her body from the difficult terrain. Officials are hoping they will be able to recover her remains today.
In total, seven Malaysians were reported injured, and are now in hospital, and 13 have been marked safe on the island. A local tour agent reported that 28 Malaysians had arrived on the island Thursday, intending to leave Monday evening. On Sunday afternoon, 22 of the group had gone to the waterfall spot, while six others stayed at the hotel in Mataram.
Reports have indicated that in addition to the two Malaysians killed, one Indonesian also perished, with nearly 500 homes being destroyed on the island.
