Expressing grief over the Kollam temple fire that has claimed at least 102 lives, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday said the tragic news shook him and extended prayers to the victims.
"Shaken by the tragic news of #Kollam. Thoughts and prayers go out to those affected. May God give us strength and resolve to bear this loss," Tendulkar tweeted.
At least 102 people have been killed and over 300 injured in the major fire that broke out in Puttingal Devi Temple complex in Paravoor near Kollam in Kerala.
The fire broke out when sparks emanating from a fireworks display ignited a store room filled with crackers and pyrotechnic material.
Karnataka to send medical team
Karnataka government on Sunday said it would send a 10-member medical team with drugs and blood to Kollam in Kerala to provide relief to victims of the tragedy at Puttingal Devi temple complex.
"As an immediate relief measure, on the directions from the Chief Minister, we have decided to send in a medical team, medicines and blood to Kerala," Health Minister U.T. Khader told reporters in Bengaluru.
He said state government officials are in touch with Kerala and the Central government and that the government would be sending additional help, based on the requirements.
The team will comprise doctors and paramedical staff.
Khader said, "We are ready to send more specialist doctors and counsellors after getting to know about the ground situation from the Kerala officials."
The Minister said he has already spoken to his Kerala counterpart about the situation.