U.S. President Obama 'deeply saddened' by loss of life from tsunamis in Indonesia

[News_Editor]

U.S. President Obama 'deeply saddened' by loss of life from tsunamis in Indonesia

2010-10-27 10:19:39 GMT+7 (ICT)

JAKARTA (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on late Tuesday said they were 'deeply saddened' by the loss of life as a result of the tsunami that struck islands off the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia.

The tsunami was a result of a massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake at 9.42 p.m. local time (1442 GMT) on Monday, centered just off the Mentawai Islands, about 240 kilometers (149 miles) south of Padang, the capital and largest city of West Sumatra. It struck about 20 kilometers (12.8 miles) deep, making it a shallow earthquake, according to the United States Geological Survey.

Indonesia's seismological agency immediately issued a tsunami warning for nearby coastlines, but the warning came too late for villages on the Mentawai Islands where a three-meter (9.8-feet) tsunami devastated towns near the coast.

As of early Wednesday, Indonesian officials confirmed at least 120 people had been killed while more than 500 people remain missing. Many villages near the coast on the Mentawai Islands were completely destroyed by the waves, which also caused several tourist boats to collide.

"Michele and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life, injuries, and damage that have occurred as a result of the recent earthquake and tsunami in West Sumatra," Obama said in a statement released by the White House. "At the same time, I am heartened and encouraged by the remarkable resiliency of the Indonesian people and the commitment of their Government to rapidly assist the victims."

Obama said, 'as a friend of Indonesia', that the United States stands ready to help in any way possible. "Meanwhile, our thoughts and prayers are with the Indonesian people and all those affected by this tragedy," he added.

Also U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered her condolences on behalf of the United States. "I offer our condolences for the loss of life and damage in West Sumatra caused by a deadly tsunami that hit the Mentawai District," Clinton said. "Our Embassy in Jakarta and Consulate in Medan are working closely with the Indonesian Government to monitor the situation and to provide assistance if needed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of West Sumatra, all Indonesians, and others affected by this tragedy."

Earlier, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Philip Crowley said the government is standing by to provide whatever assistance Indonesia may require. "We are watching carefully unfolding events regarding not only the earthquake yesterday that produced a tsunami this morning, but also now the volcano that has erupted at Mount Merapi," he said, referring to the volcanic eruption on Tuesday that has killed scores of people on Java.

"[Clinton] will have these thoughts in her mind as she departs tomorrow for an extended trip to the region," Crowley added.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-10-27