(ATR) Recent earthquakes to hit Indonesia have not affected the 2018 Asian Games, although the area will never be free of risk.
Indonesia is located on the proverbial "ring of fire" around the Pacific Ocean where seismic and volcanic activity is concentrated. The western section of the country is located near the Sunda trench, a hotbed of seismic activity.
In the past month Indonesia was rocked by two earthquakes during the final weeks of preparations for the Asian Games. One hit the western island of Sumatra, which co-host city Palembang is located on, and the other hit the tourist island of Lombok.
The latter earthquake, which has left more than 300 people dead and thousands displaced. was centered more than 800 miles (1288 kilometers) from the other host city Jakarta.
A spokesperson from the U.S. Geological Survey told Around the Rings that there is the possibility that in the aftermath of the Lombok a quake could hit the island of Java where Jakarta is located. However, the likelihood of that event is very small.
A spokesperson for the Jakarta Asian Games offered condolences "for all those impacted by the earthquake," in a statement to ATR .
"The torch relay has already been completed in Lombok before the earthquake happened," the spokesperson added. "So far there are no members of the committee impacted."
LRT Test Postponned
Jakarta’s new light rail system won't be tested until three days before the 2018 Asian Games.
Construction for the LRT was accelerated to meet a deadline for the Asian Games, although officials told local media this deadline may not be met.
"We expect the Ministry of Transportation to issue a permit for its operations on Aug. 10," Allan Tandiono, a director at Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro) in charge of the LRT, told the Jakarta Globe. "If it happens, we can start the test next week, on [Aug. 15]"
Once open the latest LRT expansion will have six stations that will connect Asian Games venues such as the velodrome. The Asian Games run from Aug. 18 to Sept. 2.
Velodrome Escapes Fire Damage
The Asian Cycling Confederation says cycling is on track despite fire damage to the velodrome.
Indonesian media reported that a fire "razed" the Rawamngun Velodrome outside Jakarta. The ACC says that’s not the case.
A statement emailed to ATR from the ACC confirmed a "minor incident" happened but assessed the total track damage as "nothing".
"We are closely monitoring the situation and everything is on schedule," the statement added. The ACC attempted to assuage cycling fans saying there is "nothing to worry."
Track cycling for the Asian Games is scheduled for August 27 - 31.
Written by Aaron Bauer and Ed Hula III
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