Syria: Situation after earthquake 'dangerous', death toll reaches over 850
New Delhi, February 7: Syria's Ambassador to India, Bassam Alkhatib, described the situation following the earthquake as "dangerous," saying that over 850 people died and thousands were injured in the country.
Syria has been affected by the Pazarcik district-epicenter earthquake in Turkey. A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck near the city of Gaziantep on Monday at 04:17 local time (01:17 GMT) at a depth of 17.9km.
"Well actually, unluckily to say that this situation is very dangerous after this devastating earthquake. It was the big one. 7.8 started in Turkey and then spread to Damascus, Syria. Many regions are badly affected. So far, in the last 5 minutes, I made some phone calls, it's more than 850 death cases and some thousands of casualties due to the earthquake," Alkhatib said.
"The government from the very beginning under the leadership of President Bashar Hafez al-Assad has met relevant agencies to handle this situation. And there is a kind of plan to administrate the situation. It's very dangerous. In some cases, it's unluckily too bad but with help of many friendly countries,s things are improving. Among all, we are very happy to say that India from the moment the disaster stuck expressed the wish to be with Syria," the Syrian envoy to India further said.
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He also praised India for its prompt response. ."When I started getting calls from Damascus, I started coordinating with MEA India and they soon responded. It was only a question of some hours when brothers at the MEA told me that they are ready, have the plan to help Syria, and sent the relief and pieces of equipment fast," he added.
In response to MoS V Muraleedharan's visit to the Syrian Embassy, he stated that this is how India acts and how India will build a new future. India will be the voice of the south and of people seeking a better future.
Earlier, MoS Muraleedharan visited the Syrian Embassy and expressed condolences to Ambassador Bassam Al-Khatib for the devastation caused by yesterday's earthquake.
Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson said, "Conveyed PM @narendramodi's message of sympathy and commitment to providing expeditious assistance & support."
- ANI
