Prime Minister Narendra Modi called up Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday night to offer assistance to the tsunami-hit country. PM Modi offered condolences on the loss of lives in the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit the Sulawesi region of Indonesia, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
The PM appreciated the resilience and courage of the people of Indonesia in facing the challenges emanating from the wide spread devastation due to the grave natural calamity, it said.
In response to Indonesia's appeal for international aid, the Prime Minister offered to Widodo all possible assistance from India as a maritime neighbour and as a friend of Indonesia.
The two leaders agreed that the details of India's relief assistance will be worked out through diplomatic and official channels.
Villagers carry the body of a victim following earthquakes and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia on Sunday. The country has decided to bury the victims in mass graves.
The massive 7.5-magnitude tremor struck Friday and sent monster waves barrelling into the island of Sulawesi, leaving at least 844 dead in the seaside city of Palu and surrounding areas. The disaster has displaced some 59,000 people and caused widespread destruction.
To aide the country, Indian Navy on Monday diverted three ships that were deployed in Southeast Asia to Indonesia for humanitarian assistance.
The Navy decided to deploy INS Tir, Sujata and Shardul to Indonesia. These ships, on deployment to Singapore, are being diverted to Palu, the Navy spokesperson tweeted.
"Besides humanitarian aid and disaster relief, bricks carried by ships, the ships are carrying 30,000L of bottled drinking water, 1500L of packed juices,
500L of milk, 700 kg of biscuits, 20 tents," it added.
Rescuers try to rescue a 15-year old earthquake victim Nurul Istikharah from flood water in her damaged house following earthquakes and tsunami in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia on Sunday
(With inputs from PTI)
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