WELLINGTON, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand will provide 1.6 million NZ dollars (1.05 million U.S. dollars) to assist emergency response efforts following Indonesia's Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said on Tuesday.
"As each day passes the extent of this disaster is becoming clearer," Peters said in a statement. More than 1,200 people are confirmed to have died and that number is expected to increase as rescue work is ongoing.
The Central Sulawesi administration has declared a 14-day state of emergency with Indonesian search, rescue and retrieval efforts underway.
New Zealand's emergency response includes a 1.5 million-NZ dollar contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies emergency appeal, Peters said.
"This contribution will support the Indonesia Red Cross to deliver emergency assistance such as shelter, basic needs, and water, sanitation and hygiene kits," he said, adding a further 100,000 NZ dollars will be made available to allow the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta to respond to other immediate needs.
"New Zealand remains in close contact with the Indonesian government and stands ready to offer further help in what is a large and complex recovery effort," said Peters who is currently in Thailand and is scheduled to be in Jakarta, on Thursday.
