Pope Francis offers prayers for earthquake victims in Indonesia

Vatican City, Aug 6, 2018 / 08:22 am

Pope Francis sent his prayers and condolences to the people of Indonesia Monday, after nearly 100 people were killed and thousands evacuated in the aftermath of a strong earthquake Sunday.

"Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy," stated the Aug. 6 telegram from Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The pope "prays especially for the repose of the deceased, the healing of the injured and the consolation of all who grieve the loss of their loved ones," it continued.

He also offered encouragement to the civil authorities and those involved in the search and rescue of victims and invoked "upon the people of Indonesia divine blessings of consolation and strength."

According to CNN, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Lombok, a popular tourist destination, late Sunday night. At least 98 people were killed, all Indonesian nationals, and more than 200 people were injured.

An estimated 20,000 have been displaced from their homes or hotels, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the head of Indonesia's disaster management department.

This is the second earthquake to hit the region recently, after a 6.4 magnitude quake struck July 29, which left at least 15 people dead and 162 injured, CNN reported.