India sending rescue, medical teams to quake-hit Turkey

Two teams of the NDRF comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment are ready to be flown to the earthquake-hit area

India has offered to send search and rescue teams along with medics and relief materials to Türkiye, which was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment, are ready to be flown to the earthquake-hit area for search and rescue operations, a spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said in New Delhi.

"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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, responding to a tweet by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the earthquake. “India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy,” added the prime minister.

P K Mishra, principal secretary to the prime minister, later held a meeting in South Block to discuss immediate relief measures. It was decided that the Search and Rescue Teams of the NDRF and the medical teams along with relief material would be dispatched immediately in coordination with the Turkish Government.

"Medical Teams are also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines. Relief material will be dispatched in coordination with the Government of Republic of Türkiye and Indian Embassy in Ankara and Consulate General office in Istanbul,” the MEA stated.

"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,” the PM later tweeted.

V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs, visited the Embassy of Türkiye in New Delhi and offered his condolences.