Indian PM Modi's emotional support to Turkey after quakes

Condoling the deaths in the earthquake that shook Turkey and Syria, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned emotional and recalled the 2001 Bhuj earthquake that claimed thousands of lives in Gujarat.

The PM recalled the devastating 2001 Bhuj earthquake when he was the chief minister of Gujarat and spoke about the challenges posed for the rescue operations. The Prime Minister also mentioned humanitarian assistance being provided by the Government of India to the disaster-hit country after a magnitude 7.8 quake rippled through both Turkey and Syria on February 6.

PM said he could very well relate to what Turkey was going through right now. In 2001, a massive earthquake jolted Bhuj in Gujarat's Kutch district in which more than 20,000 people were killed and over 1.5 lakh people were injured. The earthquake left thousands homeless.

At least 4,372 deaths have been confirmed and thousands were injured after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked Turkey and Syria, according to officials and agencies. In Syria, 1,451 deaths and 3,531 injuries have been reported by officials.

Thousands of buildings collapsed in both countries and aid agencies are particularly worried about north-western Syria, where more than 4 million people were already relying on humanitarian assistance.

India has sent the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team to Turkey after earthquakes jolted Turkey and Syria on Monday.

The first Indian Air Force plane carrying disaster relief material and rescue team to support search and rescue efforts in Turkey arrived today in Adana in the earthquake-hit country, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar said.

India will send two more C-17 Indian Air Force planes to Turkey later this evening with 60 Para Field Hospital and personnel to assist in rescue and relief operations.

According to defence officials, the Agra-based Army Field Hospital has despatched an 89-member medical team. The medical team comprises critical care specialist teams including Orthopaedic Surgical Team, General Surgical Specialist Team, Medical Specialist Teams apart from other medical teams. The teams are equipped with X-ray machines, ventilators, Oxygen generation plant, Cardiac monitors and associated equipment to establish a 30 bedded medical facility.

(ANI)