Lombok Earthquake: Chinese tourists recall shock of Mag-7.0 earthquake

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Europe

02:24

Now to Indonesia, and the latest on the deadly earthquake which struck the island of Lombok on Sunday. Scores of bodies were found on Wednesday, as the death toll reached 131. Meanwhile, many tourists are still stranded on the island, including a number of Chinese. Our reporter Mao Dan caught up with them, and they explained how they're getting through one of the most harrowing weeks of their lives.

Li Jinqiang and his family arrived in Lombok one day before the earthquake took place. Their plan for a relaxed vacation was soon turned into a struggle against fear and anxiety.

LI JINQING CHINESE TOURIST "We were having dinner in a local restaurant on Sunday evening when the earthquake took place. We heard the shattering of glass, but didn't realize it was an earthquake until we saw local people running. After we went outside, we saw the road had cracked and the houses collapsed."

First time facing an earthquake, they didn't know what to do, until another group of Chinese tourists saw them standing on the road, and offered help.

LI JINQIANG CHINESE TOURIST "They told me to follow them and join the locals, to go up the mountains in case of any tsunami. We were really scared when we heard the tsunami warning, but these friends assured us that everything would be fine as long as we were together."

While taking refuge at the mountain slope, they formed an online chat group and invited in all Chinese tourists they came across.

LI JINQIANG CHINESE TOURIST "In the chat group, we check on each other every day to see if everyone is safe. And when anyone gets the chance to leave the island, he or she would update the others about the situation at the airport, like if it's still crowded, how people were at the airport, or if there is any delay. Even when they are back home they still care for us every day."

Li and his family members are still waiting for their flight, which is scheduled on Thursday, after one more night of no sleep.

MAO DAN LOMBOK, INDONESIA "With the resumption of traffic, tourists are leaving the Lombok island, but their memories of what they have experienced here will last. Mao Dan, CGTN, Lombok Island."