Australia stands ready to support Indonesia’s response to a devastating earthquake and tsunami, the prime minister and foreign affairs minister have said.
Australia stands ready to help Indonesia after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Sulawesi, the prime minister and foreign affairs minister said.
Scott Morrison and Marise Payne expressed their condolences to the people of Indonesia in a joint statement late on Sunday.
At least 832 people have been confirmed dead after a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that barrelled into Central Sulawesi on Friday.
The death toll is expected to rise as connections to outlying areas are restored.
“The reported scale and impact of the disaster continues to grow and aftershocks continue to be recorded,” Mr Morrison and Senator Payne’s statement said.
“As a close neighbour, Australia stands ready to support Government of Indonesia response efforts, if required.”
The leaders said they have been in direct contact with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, and had passed on the concern of Australians and an offer of support if required.
No Australians are known to be affected at this stage.
