PH Extends Condolences To Indonesia After Earthquake, Tsunami Kills More Than 400

29 September 2018 – The Philippines has expressed its deep condolences to Indonesia over the deaths of close to 400 people in the magnitude 7.4 earthquake and tsunami that struck Central Sulawesi on Friday.

“We grieve with our Indonesian brothers and sisters and stand hand in hand with them in praying for all of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano said from New York where he is attending the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Secretary said the Philippines is ready to respond and extend assistance to Indonesia.

Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong T. Wee said the earthquake and tsunami struck the provincial capital of Palu and the neighboring city of Donggala.

The Indonesian Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) placed the initial death toll at 384 people with more than 500 injured. At least 29 are still missing.

Ambassador Wee said the only Filipino in the area—a detainee serving his sentence at the Lapas Penitentiary—is safe. END