India sends first batch of relief aid to earthquake-hit Turkey
India on Tuesday dispatched its first consignment of humanitarian aid and relief supplies to earthquake-hit Turkey, where the death count has risen to over 4,300, PTI reported. Reportedly, the decision to send relief was taken on instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. The Centre will likely send multiple humanitarian relief consignments, medical supplies, and rescue teams to Turkey in the coming days.
Why does this story matter?
The development comes only hours after the Prime Minister's Office said that India would "offer all possible help" to Turkey. In the early hours of Monday, a powerful earthquake of 7.8 magnitude rocked southeastern Turkey, causing strong tremors in neighboring Syria, too. While the rescue operations were still underway, two more major earthquakes struck the country on Monday, significantly increasing the death toll.
India's relief comprises NDRF search and relief teams also
While announcing the first relief consignment being dispatched to Turkey, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the relief and aid material was being sent under India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) on Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. It included the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) search and rescue teams, trained dog squads, medical supplies, and drilling machines, among others.
Watch: Visuals shared by MEA spokesperson on Twitter
101 NDRF personnel sent to quake-hit Turkey: Official
India has reportedly sent two NDRF teams to Turkey, comprising 101 personnel. "One team is Eight Battalion of NDRF from Ghaziabad and the other from Second Battalion of NDRF from Kolkata will be going for this mission (sic)," said Mohsen Shahedi, DIG Operation and Training NDRF, per ANI. "The teams are sent to help in conducting the rescue and relief operations," he added.
India stands in solidarity with Turkey: PM Modi
Earlier, PM Modi offered his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased in Turkey and wished the injured a swift recovery. He also directed officials to provide the country with all possible support in dealing with the earthquake's aftermath. "India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy," Modi tweeted.
What Modi said in response to Turkish president's tweet
Turkish Ambassador to India Firat Sunel expressed gratitude
Turkish Ambassador to India, Firat Sunel, thanked the Indian government for its offer of support. He also quoted a Turkish saying, "Dost kara gunde belli olur," which means "a friend in need is a friend indeed."
Other countries, European Union send help to Turkey
Meanwhile, over 20 major countries, including Russia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, Greece, Ukraine, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Austria, Spain, Italy, France, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Serbia, and Moldova, have offered assistance to earthquake-hit Turkey. The European Union (EU), of which Turkey is a member, has also dispatched search and rescue teams to assist the country.
One of biggest earthquakes in Turkey so far
Since Monday, three powerful earthquakes of magnitudes 7.8, 7.6, and 6.0 have struck Turkey and Syria so far. The first quake is regarded as one of Turkey's "biggest earthquakes" to date. Meanwhile, more aftershocks were reported, causing damage in the region. Countries and relief organizations from around the world have rushed to provide troops, funds, and equipment to help with the rescue efforts.
