Indians In Earthquake-Hit Turkey: 1 Missing, 10 Stuck In Remote Areas; Toll Crosses 11,000

New Delhi: Two days after a devastating earthquake followed by multiple tremors devastated southern Turkey and northern Syria, it has emerged that one Indian national is missing while 10 are stuck in remote areas in the Turkey.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) secretary Sanjay Verma said on Wednesday that India has set up a control room in Turkey.

“We set up a control room in Turkey’s Adana. 10 Indians are stuck in remote parts of affected areas but they are safe. One Indian national who was on a business visit is missing. We are in touch with his family and the company in Bengaluru which employs him,” Verma said at a press conference.

The MEA has received calls from 75 Indians seeking assistance. Around 3,000 Indian nationals live in Turkey.

Under ‘Operation Dost’, India has sent relief materials to Turkey, including medical supplies, a mobile hospital and specialised search and rescue teams. Two C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft were used to send aid materials.

“This is the biggest natural disaster to hit Turkey since 1939. We received an email from the Turkish side for assistance and within 12 hours of the meeting, first SAR flights left for Turkey from Delhi,” said Verma.

“Thereafter 4 such flights (sent to Turkey), 2 of them were carrying NDRF teams and 2 were carrying medical teams. One aircraft carrying medical supplies and equipment was sent to Syria,” he added.

According to officials, the death toll in Turkey and Syria has crossed 11,000.