UK flies vital supplies to disaster-struck Indonesia

UK armed forces have been sent to Indonesia to help provide relief to the tens of thousands of people affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami.

The Ministry of Defence has agreed to deploy an RAF A400M ‘Atlas’ aircraft, loaded with vital supplies for those who are in desperate need. A small team of UK military experts has already been deployed to help with the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

At least 1,424 people are reported to have died from the 7.5-magnitude earthquake and subsequent three-metre tsunami that hit the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.

A further 2,500 have been injured, more than 100 are still missing and in excess of 70,000 houses have been damaged, leaving tens of thousands homeless.

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Britain stands united with Indonesia as they recover from this devastating tragedy.

“This shows that once again Britain and her allies across the globe can depend on us to provide support and assistance no matter the time, no matter the place, and no matter the problem.”