India to send rescue, medical teams to quake-hit Turkiye, PM Modi tweets anguish

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his tweets expressed his condolences at the deaths in Turkiye due to two devastating earthquakes and said that India shares the grief and is ready to offer all assistance.

Following PM Modi’s instructions to offer assistance to cope with the earthquake in Turkiye, Principal Secretary Dr. P. K. Mishra held a meeting in South Block to discuss immediate relief measures. “It was decided that Search & Rescue Teams of NDRF and Medical Teams along with relief material would be dispatched immediately in coordination with the Government of Republic of Turkiye.”

It was decided to send two teams of NDRF comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment to the earthquake hit areas for search and rescue operations. Medical Teams are also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines, an official statement said.

The relief material will be sent in coordination with the Turkiye government and the Indian Embassy in Ankara and Consulate General office in Istanbul, it said.

The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, representatives of the Ministries of Home Affairs, NDMA, NDRF, Defence, MEA, Civil Aviation and Health & Family Welfare.

On the earthquake in Turkiye, the PM tweeted: “Anguished by the loss of lives and damage of property due to the Earthquake in Turkey. Condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon. India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy.”

On Syria, he posted: “Deeply pained to learn that the devastating earthquake has also affected Syria. My sincere condolences to the families of the victims. We share the grief of Syrian people and remain committed to provide assistance and support in this difficult time.”

Earlier, Turkiye and Syria were hit by a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the early hours of the morning that killed over 1,400 people in their sleep, and levelled buildings.

The 7.8-Richter temblor hit at night, and is the most powerful earthquake in nearly a century to strike both countries.

The quake was followed hours later by a slightly smaller one, that wiped out entire sections of major Turkish cities. (UNI)