PM Modi condoles loss of lives due to tsunami and earthquake in Indonesia

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and devastation due to tsunami and earthquake in Central Sulawesi in Indonesia. I offer deepest condolences. India stands with its maritime neighbour in this difficult hour," the Prime Minister said.

Indonesian officials on  Saturday informed that nearly 400 people had been killed in Friday's strong earthquake and a tsunami on the central island of Sulawesi.

The New York Times quoted Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman for the Indonesian disaster agency, as saying that  384 people were confirmed dead in the city of Palu, where preparations for a beach festival had been underway when the tsunami hit Friday evening, on the heels of a 7.5-magnitude earthquake.

Sutopo said 540 people were injured and 29 were still missing.

The earthquake had triggered a tsunami and waves  of up to 2m (6.6ft) high swept through Palu on Sulawesi island, not long after authorities had lifted a tsunami warning. .

Several video footage of the tsunami incident went viral on the social media.

People could be seen screaming and fleeing from the spot as the tsunami hit Palu.

As per the  U.S. Geological Survey, the quake hit north of Palu city of the country.

The quake was felt at 5.02 pm local time.

The main earthquake was felt in the areas of Donggala, Palu and Poso, reports said.