Turkey offers help to Indonesia hit by quake, tsunami

By Can Erozden

ANKARA

Turkey is ready to provide assistance to Indonesia, where earthquake and tsunami caused loss of many lives, an official statement said on Saturday.

“We have learned with deep sorrow that the earthquake and tsunami on Indonesian island of Sulawesi caused loss of many lives, injuries and extensive damage,” the statement by Turkish Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry extend heartfelt condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives and wish speedy recovery to the injured.

“Turkey is in full solidarity with the Government and the brotherly people of Indonesia and ready to provide any assistance that may be needed,” it added.

At least 384 people were killed and 540 others injured on Sulawesi Island of Indonesia from Friday's 7.7-magnitude earthquake and tsunami.

On Saturday, Indonesia declared a state of emergency for the Island.

The tsunami, towering up to three meters high, hit Palu, capital of the Central Sulawesi province, and the northeast of the nearby Donggala Regency.

After its 500-meter airstrip was damaged, Palu’s airport was closed to flights, excepting certain cargo planes.

Indonesia lies within the Pacific Ocean’s "Ring of Fire" where tectonic plates collide and cause frequent seismic and volcanic activity.