Ajit Karn
The Turkish government said today that more than 8,500 people have lost their lives as a result of the enormous earthquake that struck Turkey yesterday. The Indian government has confirmed that one of its citizens who travelled to Turkey for employment purposes has not been seen since the disaster.
The Foreign Ministry stated that there are 3,000 Indians living in Turkey and that ten Indians who were reported missing were found safe and sound in remote areas of the country.
“We established a command and control centre in the city of Adana in Turkey. Ten Indians are currently stranded in far-flung portions of the afflicted areas, but they are not in danger. A missing Indian national was on a business trip when he or she went missing. We are in communication with his family as well as the business in Bengaluru where he is employed “remarked Sanjay Verma, Secretary of the West.
According to statements made by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier today, India is sending search and rescue teams to Turkey as well as giving material, medical supplies, and equipment to Syria as part of a mission known as “Operation Dost.”
“In the context of Operation Dost, India is contributing to the relief efforts in Turkey and Syria by dispatching search and rescue teams, a field hospital, supplies, medications, and other equipment. This is a continuous process, and we will be sharing updates as they become available “Tweets were posted by Mr. Jaishankar.
Under #OperationDost, India is sending search and rescue teams, a field hospital, materials, medicines and equipment to Türkiye and Syria.
This is an ongoing operation and we would be posting updates. pic.twitter.com/7YnF0XXzMx
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) February 8, 2023
Even though the window of opportunity for rescues was closing, searchers continued to bring in survivors today. Since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, thousands of searchers on both sides of the border have been labouring in sub-zero conditions for two days and nights to locate those who may still be alive under structures that have been levelled.
According to the news agency AFP, the chief of the Turkish Red Crescent, Kerem Kinik, issued a warning that the first 72 hours were essential in the search and rescue efforts, but he also pointed out the problems caused by “extreme weather conditions.”
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Today, rescue workers in the hard-hit Turkish province of Hatay, where entire swaths of towns have been levelled, rescued some youngsters who were found buried under the rubble of a collapsed building.
