EU offers satellite support for Indonesia's earthquake search and rescue

The European Union is ready to assist Indonesia with search and rescue operations following a powerful earthquake that struck off the country’s eastern coast on Saturday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

The European Commission is prepared to activate the Copernicus Earth observation service to support rescue efforts following the disaster.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off eastern Indonesia on the morning of August 15, killing at least 38 people.

“Terrible news from Indonesia today. My thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones in this devastating earthquake. From solidarity to action, Europe stands ready to deploy Copernicus, our eyes in the sky, to support search and rescue efforts. Indonesia, we stand with you,” von der Leyen said in a post on X.

By Tamilla Hasanova