India’s Operation Dost shifts gears as quake death toll in Turkiye and Syria crosses 15,000

India has stepped up relief work in the quake-hit areas of Turkiye and Syria as the sixth Operation Dest flight reached Turkey.

The death toll in the series of earthquakes in the two countries has crossed 15,000. Rescue workers have warned that the toll is likely to rise as many people remain trapped under the rubble. Despite days of rescue work, workers are struggling to reach some of the worst-hit areas.

The Indian Army has set up a field hospital at Iskenderun in Hatay province of Türkiye. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar said the field hospital will treat those affected by the earthquake. He said, a team of Indian medical and critical care specialists and equipment are preparing to treat emergencies.

MEA Spokesperson Arindam bagchi said, it will be a 30-bedded fully-equipped medical facility with Operation Theatre, X-ray machines, ventilators, etc.