Chaos reigned at Lombok airport
SEREMBAN: “We shouted the azan (Islamic call to prayer) when the roof of Lombok International Airport began to sway, as if it was about to collapse on us.”
Ammar Sauti, 29, was one of 18 Malaysian volunteers who went to Lombok after the first earthquake hit the Indonesian island.
They did what they could to help and were waiting for a flight back to Malaysia when a stronger, more devastating earthquake hit on Sunday.
“The quake cut off electricity supply to the airport. People began to panic and ran helter-skelter to get out of the airport.
“I had to leave my bag, which contained my mobile phone, and ran out. There were those who were shouting takbir and others who were praying. It was chaos as people thought they were going to die.”
He said things calmed down 30 minutes later when everyone gathered on the tarmac.
“Not long after that, the airport authorities told us everything was all right, and that those departing for Kuala Lumpur should get ready. Only then did I reenter the airport to get my bag.
“Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), all volunteers arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 11.55pm last night (Sunday).”
On their experience volunteering in Lombok, Ammar said they did their best to help four doctors who flew with them to the island, apart from trying to ease the burdens of residents affected by the initial earthquake.
“We handed out food and water, helped with health checks, and distributed medicines and other necessities.”