BALI, INDONESIA (BDCi) – A magnitude 6.1 earthquake jolted Indonesia’s popular resort island of Bali on Thursday, injuring more than 50 people and sending others fleeing from the hotels and houses in panic.
Ceilings caved in at two high schools and several ancient Hindu temples were damaged, with stones tumbling to the ground and walls crumpling.
The U.S Geological Survey said the quake was centered 60 miles southwest of the island, famous for its resorts and spectacular surfing beaches.
Although not strong enough to trigger a tsunami, the quake was felt on neighboring Java and Lombok islands.
Candy Juliani, who works at the Sanur Beach Hotel, said guests ran from their rooms and into the street. “We have special emergency routes for this type of situation,” she said. “But everyone was so scared, they pretty much just ignored them.”
More than 50 people were hurt, suffering everything from cuts and broken bones to head wounds, said Wayan Sudanti, a hospital spokesman.
Many were students and teachers injured when the ceiling in their classrooms collapsed, said I Gede Tejo from the local disaster agency.
Indonesia straddles a series of fault lines that makes the vast island prone to volcanic and seismic activity.
By: Natania Levine Courtesy: time.com Photo: time.com 13 October 2011
11:33 am P.D.T