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Istanbul: A very powerful earthquake occurred in Turkey and Syria on Monday morning. So far, more than 2600 people have been killed due to the earthquake. Buildings collapsed due to strong tremors. The tremors were felt as far as Greenland.
The intensity of the earthquake that occurred at night was 7.8 magnitude. At the same time, a few hours later, two more powerful earthquakes occurred, which devastated the major cities of Turkey, a region full of millions of people fleeing the civil war in Syria and other conflicts.
Footage is emerging after a 7.8 earthquake in central Turkey. Sign for Taghoot Erdogan to expel American soldiers out from incirlik airbase, and for the people to stay away from sins and Allah knows best #Turkey #Earthquake pic.twitter.com/LzF7oZgcwb
— J(ac)ōb Abdel-Azez (@AbrahamsCreed) February 6, 2023
Raed Ahmed, head of Syria’s National Earthquake Center, called it “the biggest earthquake recorded in the center’s history”. State media and medical sources said at least 783 people were reported killed in rebel and government-held areas of Syria.
Multi-storey apartment buildings full of residents were among the 5,606 structures reduced to rubble in Turkey, while Syria announced dozens of collapses, as well as damage to archaeological sites in Aleppo.
India dispatches first consignment of earthquake relief material
India dispatched the first batch of earthquake relief material to Turkey aboard an Indian Air Force aircraft, said MEA on Tuesday. The move came hours after the announcement made by the Prime Minister’s Office to provide relief assistance to the earthquake-hit nation.
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
The shipment consisted of an expert National Disaster Response Force 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.
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
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 Ministry of External Affairs tweeted.
PM Modi’s message
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wished for a speedy recovery of the injured.
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,” PM Modi said in a tweet.
Turkey’s response to India
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”.
