Palace: PH to assist quake-hit Indonesia

(EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content) Residents gather as they wait for Indonesian rescue team search for survivors at a collapsed building in Palu, Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi on October 2, 2018. AFP PHOTO / YUSUF WAHIL

Malacañang on Friday announced the country’s preparedness to assist its Southeast Asian neighbor Indonesia as massive earthquake and tsunami devastated Sulawesi Island last week.

“The Philippine government will provide financial assistance through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management,” the Palace said in a statement.

It noted that the Philippines is ready to send relief items and a medical team at the soonest possible time.

“This is a time for ASEAN solidarity,” Malacañang stressed.

The Palace assured that the country will do its part, no matter how modest, to help Indonesia during these trying times.

Malacañang also extended its condolences to the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami.

“The Philippines stands with Indonesia during this most difficult time and is ready to provide assistance to Indonesia,” it said.

Last Friday, a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake and tsunami hit Central Sulawesi, launching waves as high as six meters that slammed into the island at 800 kph.

READ: Indonesian quake toll raised to 1,407

Almost a week after the disaster, strong aftershocks reportedly continued to hamper rescue efforts.

Indonesian authorities said that there have been 422 aftershocks in the past week, including one 6.3 magnitude tremor.

According to the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management, the death toll from the quake and tsunami has risen to 1,571. /jpv