REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANDUNG -- The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) said that the magnitude-7 earthquake that hit Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara on Sunday has triggered a landslide along the trekking trail on Mount Rinjani. The landslide resulted in a crack on the trekking trail, Head of the PVMBG Bandung Kasbani said here on Monday.
Kasbani stated that the Lombok earthquake, centered on land, was caused by an active fault line of Flores Back Arc at the northern slope of Mount Rinjani. The tremor has killed at least 91 people and damaged hundreds of buildings.
Based on the field checking at the trail and around Plawangan Sembalun area, the earthquake has caused rocks to fall in some locations.
"Considering the current condition of cracks and some aftershocks, we can see more potential landslides and fallen rocks around the hiking trail," he remarked, adding that he has recommended the temporary closure of the trail.
"This may increase the vulnerability of landslides, especially during the rainy season. These cracks could be filled (with rain water) and lead to landslides," he revealed.