Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta today (18) expressed solidarity with Indonesian communities affected by Saturday’s earthquake, which killed dozens of people and injured hundreds.
“At this time of pain and suffering, Timor-Leste stands in fraternal solidarity with the people of Indonesia, particularly the communities in the areas of Flores that were most severely affected,” José Ramos-Horta wrote in a letter to his Indonesian counterpart, Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo.
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the island of Flores in eastern Indonesia on Saturday, with its epicenter 38.5 miles from Ende, the island’s most populous town.
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At least 68 people were killed and 213 injured in the earthquake, according to figures released by Indonesian authorities Monday.
José Ramos-Horta also highlighted the work being carried out “with courage and under extremely difficult conditions” by search-and-rescue teams, health workers, security forces and volunteers, who continue to assist the affected population.
