3 NTB Ports Fully Operational after Lombok Earthquake

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The magnitude 5 earthquake that hit Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara on Sunday afternoon reportedly did not affect the operations of local ports up to Monday morning. According to Coast Guard (KPLP) Director Ahmad, port of Lembar, Pemenang, and Benete remains active following the earthquake.

“We received reports from the office of port authority (KSOP) Class II Lembar, UPP Class II Pemenang, and head of UPP Class III Benete regarding the operations at the three ports,” said Ahmad in his written statement.

Read also: Two Died and Several Injured in North Lombok Earthquake

He explained that the port of Lembar, connecting Lombok Island to Bali, continues to serve ferry boats. Meanwhile, Pemenang Port remains in operation upon acting as an entrance and exit for tourists from Bali, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and other port access to the trio Gili’s (Gili Meno, Gili Air, and Gili Trawangan).

Despite remaining in operation, Ahmad reminded everyone to stay alert and conduct a thorough check on facilities that may have been affected or damaged by the earthquake.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) announced at 14:09 local time on Sunday, March 17, that the earthquake`s epicenter originated just 7 kilometers Northwest of East Lombok.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA