Turkey earthquake: Indian Army rescuers return home, recount experience

The Indian Army's medical team, which was deployed in Turkey's Iskenderun region after a devastating earthquake, returned home on 20 February 2023.

India launched 'Operation Dost' to extend assistance to Turkey as well as Syria after various parts of the two countries were hit by a devastating earthquake on February 6 that has killed over 46,000 people so far.

"#IndianArmy Medical Facility at Iskenderun, Hatay, concluded their services amidst gratitude and applause from the locals. The team of 60 Para Field Hospital will be returning to #India after their selfless efforts in earthquake affected #Türkiye," the Army had tweeted earlier.

Separately, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the final NDRF team returned from Turkey. "Final NDRF team under #OperationDost returns home from Türkiye. 3 Teams of 151 @NDRFHQ personnel & dog squads extended assistance to earthquake affected Türkiye," Bagchi said on Twitter.

"Teams executed search, rescue & relief operations including life detection in 35 worksites of Nurda & Antakya," he said.

India sent relief materials as well as medical and rescue teams to Turkey following the quake. As part of quake assistance, India also sent relief materials and medicines to Syria.

Also watch: Trending: 12-year-old boy, 2 men rescued after over 260 hours in quake-hit Turkey