A FORMER Colchester resident whose home near Bali was rocked by an earthquake is trying to rebuild the community.

Anna Drost grew up in Colchester and still has family here.

The former Colchester Institute student and architecture graduate moved to Lombok, an island near Bali, working to work on sustainable building projects.

On August 6, Lombok was hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

Anna said: “We live in South Lombok where there is very little damage but three hours from our home is a different world.

“More than 50,000 homes have been destroyed and people are living in make shift camps.

“We have been bringing supplies and have developed plans to start building new homes.

“Our project in Lombok is earth bag dome buildings, some of the most earthquake resistant structures in the world.

“With our background and our knowledge we have been able to start a network of people who will help rebuild Lombok.”

Each dome is built simply using compacted earth, sand and gravel - materials that are organic and kind to nature.

The shape makes the domes durable and extremely resistant to earthquakes, fires and floods. They have solar power, rainwater collection and water recycling systems.

Anna’s colleagues on the ground said: “Just over a week has passed since the earthquake that shocked us all. Our hearts have broken but now we move forward.

“What we will remember from this week is the spirit of community and the hope we have seen. What we will take forward is the strength and courage to continue and to rebuild.

“Bringing safe shelter to the victims of Lombok Earthquake is now our main priority. In two months the rainy season will start and their current shelters will not provide any protection from the heavy downpours that often flood this area.”

A simple house for a family of five can be built for just 8 Million Indonesian Rupiah each, which is about £430.

Anna, campaigns manager for the project, and her colleagues at Dome Lombok are now working together building an Eco Resort.

She said: “With £20,000 we can start a movement in the region of Pemenang and start building transitional shelters together with the community.

“The response from the people here has been amazing. We will share the skills, knowledge and materials they need to build their houses with the same structure.

“The most important thing now is that we provide people with shelter, where they will feel safe to live inside again.”

See gofundme.com/domes-for-lombok.