Indonesian government declared an emergency response in the tsunami-affected area of Mentawai isles in West Sumatra within 14 days after the status was declared, an Indonesian senior official said on Tuesday.

After receiving orders from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who is now on his visit program to China and Vietnam, Indonesian Public Welfare Minister Agung Laksono declared an emergency response.

The emergency response is aimed at easing the mitigation efforts towards the victims of the 7.2 magnitude earthquake followed by tsunami on Monday night.

The minister planned to visit the tsunami-stricken area within two days, to bring the relief aid to the victims directly. He said the only possible transport to the tsunami-hit area was by helicopter.

"The tide is still high. It would endanger ships carrying relief aid to the victims in Mentawai isles. We have prepared food, blankets, clothes, drinking water for the victims. The social minister has also sent 500 million rupiah (about 50,000 U.S. dollars) of fund to finance the relief efforts," the public welfare minister was quoted by the detik.com as saying.

The latest report said the tsunami and earthquake in Memtawai isles has claimed 40 lives with more than 380 people reported missing, following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake on Monday night.

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