JOHANNESBURG - The South African government on Tuesday "expressed its condolences" to the government and the people of Indonesia following the loss of lives and injuries suffered after a massive earthquake.
Reports said the 6.9 magnitude quake which struck the Indonesian tourist islands of Lombok on Sunday has killed nearly 100 people and left at least 20,000 others homeless. It also damaged thousands of buildings and infrastructure.
In a statement issued by Ndivhuwo Mabaya, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) said "at this stage" it was aware of five South Africans that were present in the affected area during the earthquake.
"All five have been accounted for and are safe," said the .statement.
Dirco said it was in contact with the South African Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia in order to provide consular assistance to the South African citizens should it be required.