'UK Defence Experts Talking To Indonesia' Following Earthquake And Tsunami

Debris of buildings in Palu after the deadly earthquake and tsunami in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia (Picture: PA).

The Defence Secretary says British defence experts are talking to the Indonesian Government following an earthquake and tsunami in the country.

More than 1,200 are confirmed to have been killed in the disaster which occurred last week.

About 3,000 residents flocked to Palu's airport on Monday, trying to board military aircraft or one of the few commercial flights using the facility only partially operating due to damage.

The Indonesian air force confirmed that a Hercules aircraft carrying an unspecified number of survivors were able to leave Palu for South Sulawesi's capital of Makassar.

In a tweet, Gavin Williamson said the UK has "assets on standby for immediate deployment to aid all those affected".

The British disaster relief organisation, Team Rubicon, whose staff are are mostly ex-military, have sent an advance team to Indonesia to assess what they can do to help.

On Monday, International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt confirmed £2 million of British aid support is being made available.