Minister Ahern expresses sympathy for victims of Earthquake in Indonesia

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., today expressed his shock and concern at the devastating effects of the earthquake in Indonesia.

“I want to convey, on behalf of the Government and people of Ireland, our deepest sympathy to the countries in Southern Asia affected by the earthquake in Indonesia.  In particular, I want to express our condolences to the families and friends of the victims of this tragedy.

Apart from the tragic loss of life and injury to many people, enormous damage has been caused to many parts of the region.  The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Conor Lenihan T.D., has already announced a special grant of €1 million from Ireland's aid budget to provide emergency assistance to people affected by this natural disaster.

So far, there are no reports of any Irish casualties in the areas affected.  The Consular Section of my Department, in conjunction with our Embassies in India, Malaysia and Singapore, are monitoring the situation closely and assisting people in Ireland who are trying to make contact with family members and friends in the region.”

Note for Editors:

Communications in the areas affected by the earthquake are very poor at the present time and it is very difficult to make contact with people in the region. 

The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued the following helpline numbers which people can call to enquire about the situation:

01-4082302
01-4082876
01-4082308

Pending further clarification of the situation in the region, the Department advises against travel to the Maldives, eastern parts of Sri Lanka and the west coast of Thailand for the time being.  The Department also advises people planning to travel to other tourist resorts in the region in the coming days to check with their travel operator and if possible with the accommodation provider at their destination before they depart.