Strong earthquake in Bali. Widespread damage, but no deaths
by Mathias Hariyadi
Thousands of foreign tourists fled to the beaches. At least 50 injured, three seriously. Damage to hotels and other buildings, including dozens of Hindu temples. An earthquake in the same area, in '76 caused the death of 471 people.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The tourist paradise of Indonesia was transformed into an abyss of panic this morning when around 10.16 (local time) the island of Bali was hit by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake. According to the authorities, so far, there are no victims, but there are at least 50 injured, three seriously. Many buildings and hotels were damaged, including dozens of Hindu temples across the island.

On feeling the quake, thousands of tourists fled from the hotels and found refuge on the seashore. The authorities have given no tsunami warning.

The epicenter of the quake was at a depth of 10 km, 143 km south-east from Nusa Dua (Bali). The area that has most felt the shock is Denpasar. But the impact was felt also in East Java, Central Java and the island of Lombok.

The last major earthquake recorded in Bali was in 1976. The magnitude 6.5 earthquake devastated the regency of Buleleng, killing 471 people.