Tajik President Emomali Rahmon yesterday extended his condolences to Indonesia following the deaths and damage caused by a tsunami disaster, according t the Tajik president’s official website.

“We were heartbroken to hear of the natural disaster in the western areas of Indonesia that left numerous victims,” Tajik leader said in his message to Indonesian President Joko Widodo. 

He also asked to convey his profound sympathies and condolences to the fraternal people of Indonesia, especially the affected families.  Rahmon also wished speedy recovery to all those who were injured.

The tsunami struck the coastal towns of Banten and Lampung provinces on Saturday night almost without warning, smashing into houses, hotels and other buildings   At least 373 people have been killed and 1,459 others injured so far.

The numbers could increase once authorities hear from all stricken areas along the coastlines of western Java and southern Sumatra islands.

Recall, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara province, in August, and a 7.4-magnitude earthquake jolted Central Sulawesi province in September.  The disasters reportedly claimed the lives of more than 2,600 people, injured some 18,000 people, and displaced more than 550,000.

Indonesia was hardest hit by a powerful earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 225,000 people in 11 countries on December 26, 2004.