MEA launches Operation Dost to provide assistance to earthquake struck Turkey The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday issued a statement stating that one Indian is missing and 10 others are trapped in the devastating earthquake in Turkey. But others in remote areas of earthquake-hit Turkey are safe, even in the West Asian region. The expert teams sent by India to the country have started their search and rescue operations. India on Monday launched Operation Dost to provide assistance to Turkey and Syria in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria that killed over 15,000 people in both countries. Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs Sanjay Verma said that one Indian has gone missing in one of the affected areas of Turkey and 10 others are stranded in some remote parts but they are safe. According to him, three Indians who contacted the Indian government were taken to a safe place, adding that Indians in Turkey are safe. “We have received calls from about 75 people asking for information and assistance from our embassy there,” he added. According to information, the number of Indians living in Turkey is around 3,000, of whom around 1,800 live in and around Istanbul, while 250 are in Ankara and the rest are spread across the country. Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted that, under Operation-Dost, India is sending search and rescue teams, a field hospital, materials, medicines and equipment to Turkey and Syria. Its an ongoing operation and we will keep posting updates. On Tuesday, India sent specialised search and rescue teams to Turkey carrying relief materials, a mobile hospital and four C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft to support the countrys rescue efforts. India has also sent relief material to Syria on an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft and officials said India is sending more aid to Turkey.
