Республика Индонезия
Earthquake in Indonesia
PRESS RELEASE
A series of earthquakes occurred on September 30-October 1 off the western coast of Indonesia's island of Sumatra: of magnitude 7.6 on the Richter scale (30/09/09) and 7 (1/10/09). Areas adjacent to the city of Padang, and Sumatra Island suffered most from the tremors. Over 2,600 buildings, including infrastructure facilities, are destroyed, along with disruption of communications and energy supply.
In connection with this tragic event President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev sent a telegram to President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressing his condolences and sincere sympathy to the relatives of the dead and wishes of a speedy recovery to those injured.
According to the latest reports, the number of dead exceeds 1,000; over 2,200 people are injured, and hundreds of people are trapped under rubble. There are no Russian citizens among the killed and injured, according to information from the Russian Embassy in Jakarta.
To render assistance, two Emercom planes carrying a search and rescue team with sniffer dogs, and a medico-psychological group have been sent to Indonesia.
October 2, 2009