A house in Palu city is destroyed by the earthquakes (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The ministry said the Embassy of Vietnam in Indonesia has promptly learned about the situation and will carry out necessary protection measures if any Vietnamese was affected. The embassy also confirmed that 10 Vietnamese students studying at Tadulako University in Palu city are safe.

It has established a working group to ask for assistance from search and rescue agencies, universities and Vietnamese people in neighboring localities if required.

The students are also advised to remain calm and closely follow guidance and notice of the local disaster prevention agency and keep in touch with the embassy’s staff.

The Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has worked with the embassy to arrange accommodations for the students until the situation become stable.

In case of emergency, it is recommended to contact the hotline of the Vietnamese Embassy 62811161025 and 62213100358, or the citizen protection hotline 84 981848484, or the hotline of the urgent search and rescue team: Akris 081288035909, Gayur 082116442362, Arifin 085284951234, Irwan 085299267110, Sayudi 082291999669, Ariman 085145000022.