Palu (ANTARA News) - Japan`s disaster management team arrived in Palu on Saturday to help the Indonesian government in handling the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Donggala and Palu, Central Sulawesi.

The Japan Disaster Relief Team comprises the Japan Self Defense Forces Unit, also assisting in providing emergency relief items.

Upon arrival at the Mutiara Palu Airport, the C-130H Hercules aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, immediately lowered relief items.

Japanese Consul General in Surabaya Masaki Tani had earlier noted that on behalf of the government and people of Japan, he expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims who died and the deepest sympathy to all victims of the disaster.

He remarked that the Japanese Disaster Management Team will hold relief activities, including transportation of goods in Central Sulawesi.

In addition, emergency relief items were distributed in the form of tents, water purifiers, and generators worth around Rp3 billion through the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

"This is our response to the damage caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Central Sulawesi as well as in the framework of humanity and friendly relations between the two countries," he noted.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had earlier conveyed sympathy and condolences to President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo over the disasters that struck Palu and Donggala.

"I feel very sad to hear the news of the earthquake and tsunami disaster that hit Central Sulawesi has caused great loss of life and damage," he noted.

During this time, he stated that similar to Indonesia, Japan had also suffered major devastating damage due to the earthquake and tsunami. Hence, Japan is ready to provide assistance in any form, such as emergency relief items.

"Japan will always be on the Indonesian side in overcoming major difficulties like this," he noted.

Reporting by Budi Setiawanto
E$diting by Eliswan, Sri Haryati

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018