Indonesian authorities are rescuing hundreds of tourists, including 200 Thais, stranded at Mount Rinjani National Park, a famous tourist destination in Lambok, Indonesia, after it was hit by a magnitude 6.4 earthquake in the morning which left at least 14 people killed and 40 injured.
While most of the tourists fled the area safely, many were stranded because of landslides triggered by a series of aftershocks after the quake. The Thai embassy in Jakarta said there are 200 Thais stranded around Lake Segara Anak, although they are reported to be safe and staying in tents, with many still on their way out of the mountain area.
There have been no reported Thai deaths. Rescuers are being sent to evacuate people in four areas: Bayan (North Lombok), Sembalun, Sambelia and Brang Rea (East Lombok). However, some areas cannot be reached yet, according to the embassy.
Of the Thais stranded at the mountain, most are in a group and are accompanied by Indonesian tour guides, according to a statement by the embassy. The Thai government is coordinating with Indonesian authorities to assist those who are stranded.
Thanapon Worawutchainan, a 25-year-old Thai tourist who was at the summit during the quake, said the ground shook violently and people decided to lie down and wait for the tremor to stop.
Mr Thanapon said six Thais at the summit fell during landslides resulting from the quake, but all of them survived and were able to climb back up.
"We were so terrified; we gathered under the tree to pray," said Anuwat Kongko, another Thai tourist who was also at the summit during the quake.
After the tremors finally stopped, the tourists fled the area and made their way back down to the village, Mr Thanapon said.
"It took us around six hours to come down but we ran all the way without stopping because we were too terrified to stop."