PM Imran condoles with Indonesian president over loss of lives   

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday telephoned Indonesian President Joko Widodo and expressed his grief over the loss of precious lives and destruction caused by volcano-triggered tsunami.

Talking to the president, the PM Imran Khan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in Sunda Strait and added that it is a testing time for Indonesia. He said that the brave Indonesian people would overcome the natural disaster by the grace of Allah.

The prime minister reiterated his resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations with Jakarta and enhance cooperation for mutual benefit in diverse fields.

Read More: Hunt for survivors as Indonesian tsunami death toll tops 280

It is pertinent to mention here that Indonesian rescuers raced to find survivors Monday after a volcano-triggered tsunami killed at least 281 people, with experts warning the devastated region could be slammed by more deadly waves.

Rescue teams used their bare hands, diggers and other heavy equipment to haul debris from the stricken area around the Sunda Strait, as thousands were evacuated to higher ground.

The powerful tsunami struck without any warning on Saturday night, sweeping over popular beaches of southern Sumatra and the western tip of Java and inundating tourist hotels and coastal settlements.

More than 1,000 people were injured and the death toll “will continue to rise”, said disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.