Jakarta, IO – Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi estimated that there are around 500 Indonesian citizens impacted by the mega quake in Turkey. The government has successfully evacuated 123 people in the first phase.
“They include two Malaysians and one Myanmarese,” said Retno, reported Pikiran Rakyat, Wednesday (15/2).
In the second phase, it has been confirmed that five Indonesians and three Filipinos have been rescued. The quake killed two Indonesians and seriously injured 10 others. She ensured that those injured would receive treatment at local hospital.
Since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria, Retno and the Indonesian ambassador in Ankara have moved swiftly and coordinated with the Turkish authorities. “Indonesia is the first foreign nation to evacuate its citizens in Turkey,” said Retno.
Read: Govt carries out second phase evacuation of citizens affected by the Turkey quake
Retno said she has yet received any reports of Indonesian citizens being affected by the earthquake in the Syrian side. The Indonesian Embassy in Damascus will continue to monitor and report on developments on the ground. (un)