Turkey earthquake: India decides to rush search & rescue, medical teams

India has decided to rush search & rescue teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and medical teams along with relief material to earthquake-hit Turkey.

The earthquake measured 7.8 on the Richter scale and struck southern Turkey and northern Syria early on Monday morning. It has been described as the most powerful earthquake in nearly a century.

Turkey was rattled by two more strong tremors during the day. At least 1,000 people are believed dead. As rescue personnel combed through piles of debris in towns and cities all around the region, it was thought that hundreds of people were still trapped beneath the rubble.

The NDRF teams will be dispatched immediately in coordination with the Government of Republic of Türkiye, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Monday.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister PK Mishra in keeping with PM Modi's instructions to offer all possible assistance to cope with the earthquake in Turkey.

According to the MEA, two teams of NDRF comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment are ready to be flown to the earthquake hit area for search & rescue operations.

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 added.

The Cabinet Secretary, representatives from the Ministries of Home Affairs, NDMA, NDRF, Defenslce, MEA, Civil Aviation, and Health & Family Welfare also attended the meeting convened by Principal Secretary to PM Mishra.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his profound sorrow at the loss of life and property damage caused by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

Quoting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s tweet, PM Modi wrote, "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. India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to offer all possible assistance to cope with this tragedy."

"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," PM Modi tweeted later in the day.