PM Wong expresses condolences to Indonesia earthquake victims
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Families taking shelter in a makeshift evacuation centre at a stadium in the aftermath of an earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, on Aug 16.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed condolences to Indonesia's President after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Flores, killing over 50 and damaging hundreds of buildings.
- A second 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit northern Sumatra with no reported casualties yet.
- Thousands fled their homes; survivors urgently need tents, food, medicine, clean water, and generators for relief efforts.
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SINGAPORE – Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has written to Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto to express his condolences after an earthquake struck off the coast of Flores in eastern Indonesia on Aug 15, killing dozens and damaging hundreds of buildings.
A second earthquake of 6.1 magnitude struck off Indonesia’s northern Sumatra hours after the initial quake, with no casualties yet reported.
In a Facebook post on Aug 16, PM Wong said he was saddened by the loss of lives and devastation caused by the earthquakes.
He extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies, on behalf of the Singapore Government, to the families of the victims and those affected by the tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with the people of Indonesia during this difficult time, and with the authorities and emergency personnel working tirelessly on relief and recovery efforts.”
The 7.7-magnitude quake on Flores Island killed 53 people, injured at least 135 and damaged hundreds of houses and buildings, the Indonesian authorities said on Aug 16.
Some 5,000 people fled their homes as the quake hit the island early on Aug 15, followed by nearly 1,000 aftershocks in the hours after, a spokesman for the country’s national disaster agency said.
Rescue officials said survivors were in urgent need of aid, including emergency tents, food, medicine, clean water and electricity generators, as at Aug 16.
