PM Wong offers condolences after Indonesia earthquake tragedy

He extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies, on behalf of the Singapore Government, to the families of the victims and those affected by the tragedy.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Indonesia during this difficult time, and with the authorities and emergency personnel working tirelessly on relief and recovery efforts.”

The 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Flores Island killed 53 people, injured at least 135 and damaged hundreds of houses and buildings, the Indonesian authorities said on Aug 16.

Some 5,000 people fled their homes as the quake hit the island early on Aug 15, followed by nearly 1,000 aftershocks in the hours after, a spokesman for the country’s national disaster agency said.

Rescue officials said survivors were in urgent need of aid, including emergency tents, food, medicine, clean water and electricity generators, as at Aug 16.