Indonesian quake prompts swift offers of aid, condolences

An elderly woman lies injured among other residents on a truck following an earthquake in Yogyakarta, in Central Java yesterday. At least 2,914 people were killed when the strong earthquake rocked the densely-populated southern coast of Indonesia's Central Java. PHOTO: AFP

UN chief Kofi Annan led those expressing sadness and said a UN disaster response team was ready to help with humanitarian relief.

"The secretary-general is deeply saddened by the loss of life, the hundreds of injuries and the destruction suffered by the people of Indonesia after the earthquake that struck Yogyakarta on the southern coast of Java," a UN spokesman said.

Britain and France also offered a quick response to the disaster, which left more than 2,800 people dead in and around the historic city of Yogyakarta.

"We're geared up to give any help that is required as soon we're asked to, and when we are asked, we will respond very, very quickly," said British Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn.

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his condolences along with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.

The European Commission said it would release up to three million euros (3.8 million dollars) in emergency aid in response to the devastating earthquake.

"We are ready to help the victims of this tragedy and recognise how important it is to do it as speedily as possible," said EU Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel.

The United Nations Children's Fund said it was preparing emergency aid for survivors including 2,000 tents and 9,000 tarpaulins.

Japan said it was sending a relief team and was ready to provide aid.

A team of about seven people including doctors and bureaucrats would head to Indonesia on Sunday to assess the needs, a foreign ministry official said.

"If the government of Indonesia makes a formal request, we will respond," he said. "The Japanese government is always ready to help."

Malaysia, which neighbours Indonesia, also said it would send a search and rescue team and medical supplies.