The government on Tuesday called an emergency meeting of Indian carriers operating flights to Turkey to discuss smooth movement of relief material and medical teams to the western Asian country hit by a devastating earthquake. India has already sent two plane-loads of relief materials and medical teams.
Quoting an aviation industry source, news agency ANI reported that low-cost airline IndiGo had offered free cargo movement to Istanbul on its scheduled flights. "The Indian carrier colony is with Turkey in the disaster and we are ready to provide free cargo movement for humanitarian aid," sources quoted the airline company as saying in the meeting.
Other ministries were also part of the meeting called by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The earthquake measuring 7.8 on the richter scale shook Turkey and neighbouring Syria on Monday morning, killing more than 5,000 people and flattening thousands of buildings. Countries around the world dispatched teams to assist in the rescue efforts, and Turkiye's disaster management agency said more than 24,400 emergency personnel were now on the ground.
The first C-17 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force, carrying a group of search and rescue personnel, specially trained dog squads, drilling machines, relief material, medicines landed in Adana in the morning. A second IAF plane with similar consignments has already left for Turkiye around noon.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the 99-member medical team comprises critical care specialists. The contingent includes orthopaedic surgical teams, general surgical specialist team and medical specialist teams apart from others.
The teams are equipped with X-ray machines, ventilators, oxygen generation plant, cardiac monitors and associated equipment to establish a 30-bedded medical facility.
"A friend in need is a friend indeed,” said Ambassador of Turkey to India Firat Sunel as he thanked New Delhi for the support.
The Turkish embassy in India tweeted: "First batch of earthquake relief material along with NDRF's special search & rescue teams and trained dog squats just arrived in Trkiye. Thank you India for your support and solidarity."
