Turkey, Syria earthquake: 2 tremors of earthquake within 12 hours, more than 1300 dead, India extends helping hand

More than 1,300 people were killed and many buildings collapsed after a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday. The tremors were felt as far as the island of Cyprus. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers pull more bodies from the rubble. A “level 4 alarm” has been sounded by Turkish authorities calling for international aid. At least 326 people were killed in government-controlled parts of Syria, news agency AFP reported. At least 912 people were killed in Turkey, the country’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a statement.

PM Modi assured of all possible help

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of life and property due to the earthquake in Turkey. PM Modi tweeted, “Condolences to the bereaved families. Wishing speedy recovery to the injured. India stands in solidarity with the people of Turkey and is ready to provide all possible assistance to deal with this tragedy.”PM Modi also condoled the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake in Syria. PM Modi tweeted, “Deeply saddened to know that the devastating earthquake has affected Syria as well. My deepest condolences to the families of the victims. We share the grief of the Syrian people and extend help and support in this difficult time.” committed to provide.

India will send relief material

India has prepared an aid mission to deal with the severe earthquake. Two NDRF teams are being sent from India to help the victims. Apart from this, India is sending relief material in large quantities along with medicines. Following the Prime Minister’s directive, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister PK Mishra held a meeting at South Block to discuss immediate relief measures. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, it was decided that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and medical teams with relief materials would be sent to Turkey immediately in coordination with the Government of the Republic of Turkey.