News

Little more than a week ago a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit the Indonesian island of Lombok. Since then, the death toll has risen to more than 400 and the damage to surrounding areas has been significant: But the local community is rallying to rebuilt in inspiring fashion.

A recent email shared with DPG from dive instructor and underwater photographer Jared Herb paints an inspiring picture of communities working to get local life and dive tourism back to normal. Jared is a Fantasea Artist and also works for a dive shop in the Gili Islands.

"The amount of work I have seen from people over here in Bali, the Gili Islands, and Lombok is truley inspirational," says Jared. "Everyone has been working around the clock to ensure that the families on Lombok are getting everything they need to start rebuilding their lives."

In the first few days following the earthquake supplies were very much in short supply. In the week since, however, transportation of critical emergency supplies has increased from Bali and other surrounding areas. Those in the dive industry are now turning towards getting tourists back to the island to boost the economy. 

There is a ton of great work being done by NGOs as well. The organization Classroom of Hope has been particularly instrumental in rebuilding the education infrastructure.  “They are on the ground in Lombok building pop up schools to educate the children and adults,” explains Jared.

If you’re looking to help out with the Lombok earthquake recovery efforts, consider a donation the Classroom of Hope or to Indonesian Red Cross.