No Dutch killed in Lombok earthquake; help desk opened for victims

As far as is known, no Dutch were killed in a severe earthquake that hit the Indonesian island of Lombok on Sunday. Some Dutch were injured, but their injuries are not serious, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said to RTL Nieuws.

Hundreds of people contacted the Ministry over the past hours, both Dutch on Lombok and family members in the Netherlands. An EU helpdesk was set up in the hotel Dmax, near the airport, and two employees from the Dutch embassy are on their way there. They will provide assistance to Dutch who need help on the spot, for example people who lost their passports during the quake.

An aid post was also set up for Dutch tourists on neighboring island Bali. The earthquake and some aftershocks could also be felt on Bali, and some tourists therefore want to cut their holidays short.

The Red Cross launched a website where Dutch can let their families know that they are safe.