EU Offers Support to Indonesia After Quake, Tsunami in Sulawesi
30 September 2018 07:44 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - High Representative/Vice President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management of the European Union (EU), Christos Stylianides has offered support to Indonesia after a quake and a tsunami hit Sulawesi Island. The EU issued the following statement:
" Hundreds of people have lost their lives as yet another deadly natural disaster has hit Indonesia.
Our thoughts are with the victims and all affected as well as with the first responders who are working hard to save lives under very difficult conditions. We express our condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
The European Union stands by the people and authorities of Indonesia at this difficult time and we have offered our full support.
The EU has already activated its emergency Copernicus satellite mapping service to assist the authorities. We continue to closely monitor the situation and we are ready to mobilise more assistance. "
As previously reported, at least 384 people were killed when a major earthquake and tsunami hit Donggala and Palu, Central Sulawesi, said authorities on Saturday.
Read also: Sulawesi Quake, Tsunami Killed at Least 384
Hundreds had gathered for a festival on the beach of the city of Palu on Friday when waves up to six-meter high smashed ashore just on dusk, sweeping many to their death and destroying anything in their path.
Strong aftershocks continued to rock the coastal city on Saturday morning following the massive 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Friday, which triggered the tsunami.
The BNPB described the damage as "extensive" with thousands of houses, hospitals, shopping malls and hotels collapsed, a bridge washed away and the main highway to Palu cut off due to a landslide.
Bodies of some victims were found trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings, adding 540 people were injured and 29 missing.
TEMPO.CO