PM turns emotional over Turkey tragedy, recalls Bhuj earthquake in 2001

New Delhi:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday turned emotional while condoling the deaths in the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria, and recalled the tragic 2001 Bhuj earthquake that claimed thousands of lives in Gujarat.

The Prime Minister was deeply distressed over the tragic loss of lives and suffering in Turkey and Syria as he addressing MPs at the Bharatiya Janata Party parliamentary party meeting this morning, according to sources.

Recalling the devastating 2001 Bhuj earthquake when he was the chief minister of Gujarat and spoke about the challenges posed for the rescue operations. PM Modi said he could very well relate to what Turkey was going through right now.

The Prime Minister also mentioned humanitarian assistance being provided by the Government of India to the disaster-hit country after the 7.8 magnitude quake rocked both Turkey and Syria on Monday.

India has sent the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team to Turkey.

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 be sending two more C17 aircraft with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to quake-hit Turkey along with 60 Para Field Hospital and personnel.

The C17 flight with over 50 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and a specially trained dog squad along with necessary equipment, including medical supplies, drilling machines and other equipment equired for the aid efforts had departed for Turkey early this morning.

Turkish Embassy in New Delhi tweeted: “First batch of earthquake relief material along with NDRF’s special search and rescue teams and trained dog squads just arrived in Turkiye. Thank you India for your support and solidarity.”