New Zealand Offers Condolences and Aid to Indonesia After Devastating Earthquake

Strategic Insights -

New Zealand's Prime Minister, Helen Clark, has expressed her country's condolences to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono following a devastating 8.7-magnitude earthquake that struck under the sea off Indonesia's west coast. The earthquake, which may have claimed up to 2000 lives, has prompted President Yudhoyono to postpone his visit to New Zealand until next week. New Zealand has pledged to provide aid to the affected region, including a helicopter to transport doctors to the island of Nias to treat injured people.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 8.7-magnitude earthquake that struck under the sea off Indonesia's west coast may have claimed up to 2000 lives.
  • Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has postponed his visit to New Zealand until next week.
  • New Zealand has pledged to provide aid to the affected region, including a helicopter to transport doctors to the island of Nias.
  • Aid Minister Marian Hobbs has announced that funding for the doctors will be made available through the Government's aid and development agency NZAID.
  • New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has expressed her country's condolences to the people of Indonesia, particularly those living in outlying islands who have been affected by the earthquake.
  • President Yudhoyono was scheduled to visit New Zealand on Saturday, but the visit has been deferred until next week.
  • The earthquake is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters, particularly tsunamis, which claimed the lives of over 174,000 people in 11 nations in 2004.

Statistics:

  • The earthquake is estimated to have a magnitude of 8.7.
  • Up to 2000 people may have been killed in the earthquake.
  • The 2004 tsunami triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in the same region killed over 174,000 people in 11 nations.
  • The earthquake struck under the sea off Indonesia's west coast.
  • The New Zealand Government has pledged to provide further assistance once the full picture of the earthquake disaster emerges.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse, March 31
  • Pacnews, 31-03 1249