United States President Barack Obama and his family offered their heartfelt condolences to the families of victims in Monday`s deadly earthquake-triggered tsunami in Mentawai, West Sumatra."Michelle 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Indonesian people and all those affected by this tragedy," Obama said in a statement issued by White House in Washington DC on Tuesday.
Obama, who spent part of his childhood in Jakarta in the 1970s, added that he was encouraged by the outstanding resilience of the Indonesian people and government in their rapid assistance to the victims.
"I am heartened and encouraged by the remarkable resilience of the Indonesian people and the commitment of their government to rapidly assist the victims. As a friend of Indonesia, the United States stands ready to help in any way," Obama said as quoted by Antara.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton also offered her sympathy and said the US government was ready to provide assistance if needed.
"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," Hilary said.
As of Tuesday night (Wendesday afternoon in Jakarta) the death toll in a 7.2 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck Mentawai islands in West Sumatra province rose to 112.( Jakarta.post )
