- Tuesday, March 04, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
Hours after the announcement made by the Indian prime minister’s office (PMO), New Delhi has dispatched the first batch of earthquake relief material to Turkey aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft.
The shipment consisted of an expert National Disaster Response Force’s (NDRF) search and rescue team, including both male and female personnel, highly-skilled dog squads, an array of medical supplies, advanced drilling equipment, and other crucial tools required for the aid efforts.
“India’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities in action. The 1st batch of earthquake relief material leaves for Turkiye, along with NDRF Search and Rescue Teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines and other necessary equipment,” Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson of the country’s ministry of external affairs tweeted.
India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilites in action.
The 1st batch of earthquake relief material leaves for Türkiye, along with NDRF Search & Rescue Teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines & other necessary equipment. pic.twitter.com/pB3ewcH1Gr
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 6, 2023
Second @IAF_MCC C-17 with self-contained @NDRFHQ teams including dog squads, search & rescue equipment, extrication tools and vehicles leaves for Türkiye.
India continues to support the people of Türkiye in their hour of need. pic.twitter.com/Pkfbwrg8FF
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 7, 2023
Earlier, prime minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished for a speedy recovery of the injured.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 6, 2023
He also instructed officials to offer all possible assistance in coping with the aftermath of the earthquake, killing at least 3,400 people.
“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,” Modi said in a tweet.
Turkish ambassador to India Firat Sunel expressed his gratitude towards the Indian government’s offer of assistance and said that “a friend in need is indeed a friend”.
He also mentioned a Turkish proverb, “Dost kara gunde belli olur”, which means “a friend in need is a friend indeed”.
(PTI)
