‘Anguished by loss of lives': PM Modi condoles deaths in Turkey, Syria earthquake

Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Turkey and have caused significant damage and loss of life in the past.

Ankara, Feb 06: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief and anguish after the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Turkey. He wished a speedy recovery to those injured and said that India stands with Turkey in this hour of grief.

The Prime Minister tweeted; "Anguished by the loss of lives and damage of property due to earthquake in Turkey. Condolences to 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.

India extends help

In light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instructions to offer all possible assistance to cope with the earthquake in Türkiye today, Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister held a meeting in South Block to discuss immediate relief measures. It was decided that Search & Rescue Teams of NDRF and Medical Teams along with relief material would be dispatched immediately in coordination with the Government of Republic of Türkiye.

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 meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary, representatives of Ministries of Home Affairs, NDMA, NDRF, Defence, MEA, Civil Aviation and Health & Family Welfare.

Over 600 dead as earthquake hits Turkey, Syria

A 7.9 magnitude quake has knocked down multiple buildings in southeast Turkey and Syria claiming nearly 600 lives.

In northwest Syria, the opposition's Syrian Civil Defense described the situation in the rebel-held region as "disastrous" adding that entire buildings have collapsed and people are trapped under the rubble. The civil defense urged people to evacuate buildings to gather in open areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was centered about 33 kilometers (20 miles) from Gaziantep, a major city and provincial capital.

It was felt in several provinces The earthquake came as the Middle East is experiencing a snowstorm that is expected to continue until Thursday.

Turkey is prone to earthquakes due to its location on various fault lines. The country is situated at the meeting point of the African, Arabian, and Eurasian tectonic plates, which makes it one of the most seismically active regions in the world.

Earthquakes are a common occurrence in Turkey and have caused significant damage and loss of life in the past.

In 1999, two powerful quakes hit northwestern Turkey claiming 18,000 lives. In 2020, more than 100 people were killed in a quake in the western city of Izmir.