The Government will provide $1.6 million in aid to earthquake-hit Indonesia, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says

Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters during his post-Cabinet press conference at Parliament, Wellington. 30 July 2018 New Zealand Herald Photograph by Mark Mitchell

The Government will provide $1.6 million in aid to assist emergency response efforts following the Indonesia earthquake and tsunami.

The death toll so far has climbed to more than 800 people, but that number is expected to increase as rescue teams reach areas not yet accessed, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said this morning.

"As each day passes the extent of this disaster is becoming clearer."

The Central Sulawesi administration has declared a 14-day state of emergency with Indonesian search, rescue and retrieval efforts under way.

On Friday, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake occurred off the coast of Sulawesi, triggering dozens of aftershocks.

Coastal cities were hit by a tsunami not long after the earthquake.

"New Zealand's emergency response includes a $1.5m contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies emergency appeal," said Peters.

Peters said the aid would support the Indonesia Red Cross to deliver emergency assistance such as shelter, basic needs, and water, sanitation and hygiene kits

A further $100,000 will be made available to allow the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta to respond to other immediate needs, Peters said.

"New Zealand remains in close contact with the Indonesian Government and stands ready to offer further help in what is a large and complex recovery effort."

Peters, who is currently in Thailand, is scheduled to be in Jakarta on Thursday, and will convey condolences in person on behalf of the Government.

The coastal city of Palu was one of the worst affected areas being hit by waves as high as 6m.

The surge of water caused widespread destruction to the city.

Indonesia's National Disaster and Mitigation Agency has said that most of the victims in Palu were killed as a result of the tsunami.