PM Lauds NDRF Team For Turkey Earthquake Rescue

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the work of the NDRF personnel, who returned from Turkey, after the search and rescue operations following the earthquake that shook the transcontinental country on 6 February.

In his interaction with the NDRF unit, the PM said, "the NDRF should work towards being the best response force in the world”. He further spoke of his experience as a volunteer during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. "I know how difficult it is to remove the debris or rescue people. I am aware of the immense courage and work required for such operations. I salute your work. The whole nation is proud of you," the PM said addressing the NDRF troupe. 

He further asked the NDRF team to share their experience, their working style and equipment used by them and other countries to make everyone ready for such natural calamities. He assured them that their experience will be documented for new learning.

It may be mentioned here that three NDRF teams were sent to Turkey under India's 'Operation Dost' and the force successfully rescued two children, trapped for over 84 hours after the earthquake and helped local authorities find at least 85 bodies.

The PM also lauded the work of the NDRF's rescue dogs. The NDRF's six dogs, Romeo, Julie, Bob, Roxy, Rambo and Honey, assisted the team in finding two girls alive, each 6 and 8 years old respectively.

He underlined that India is not only self-sufficient but the country is also ahead in providing selfless service to other nations, acknowledging India's role in helping people in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Nepal and also providing medicines and vaccines to countries.