New Delhi: India has been helping Turkey and Syria with rescue operations as five major earthquakes have jolted both countries. The death toll from earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has passed 11,000. On the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has sent three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to earthquake-hit areas in Turkey. While two teams reached affected areas on Tuesday (February 7), the third team reached the disaster-hit country on Wednesday (February 8). India is sending search and rescue teams, a field hospital, materials, medicines, and equipment to Turkey and Syria under ‘Operation Dost’.
Further, two Indian Air Force aircraft carrying a field hospital for a 30 bedded medical facility, along with medical specialists have also reached Adana, Turkey.
India’s Assistance to Turkey, Syria: Rescue Teams, Medical assistance and Ready-to-eat meals
Over 6 tons of emergency relief assistance reached Syria and were received at the Damascus airport by the Deputy Minister of Local Administration and Environment Moutaz Douaji. This emergency relief assistance includes three truckloads of protective gear, emergency use medicines, ECG machines, and other medical items.
Over 6 tons of emergency relief aid reaches Syria.
Received at the Damascus airport by Deputy Minister of Local Administration & Environment Moutaz Douaji.
Includes 3 truck-loads of protective gear, emergency use medicines, ECG machines and other medical items. https://t.co/mYcz3aOUNZ pic.twitter.com/B2z7du7IT2— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 8, 2023
“Under #OperationDost, India is sending search and rescue teams, a field hospital, materials, medicines, and equipment to Turkey and Syria. This is an ongoing operation and we would be posting updates,” EAM Jaishankar tweeted.
under #OperationDostIndia is sending search and rescue teams, a field hospital, materials, medicines and equipment to Turkey and Syria.
This is an ongoing operation and we would be posting updates. pic.twitter.com/7YnF0XXzMx
Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 8, 2023
Indian NDRF teams have now reached Gaziantep and commenced search and rescue operations.
The NDRF teams are also carrying some diesel, solar lanterns, and ready-to-eat meals, an official confirmed. The Indian government decided to rush NDRF teams along with medical aid and relief material to Turkey following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s instructions to offer all possible assistance to the country. The NDRF teams are accompanied with specially trained dog squads.
