MoS KV Singh reaches Kuwait to oversee assistance, early repatriation of bodies

by IANS |

New Delhi, June 13 (IANS) Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh arrived in Mangaf, Kuwait, on Thursday to oversee assistance for those injured in the fire tragedy and coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased, Indian Embassy in Kuwait said.


A fire broke out in a Labour housing facility in the Mangaf area of Kuwait early on Wednesday claiming at least 49 lives, out of which 40 were Indian nationals.


"On the directions of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh arrives in Kuwait to oversee assistance to those injured in fire tragedy & coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident," the Indian Embassy in Kuwait posted on X.


Earlier on Wednesday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya about the fire tragedy and urged the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives.


EAM Jaishankar, in a post on X, said, "Spoke to Kuwaiti FM Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on the fire tragedy in Kuwait. Apprised of the efforts made by Kuwaiti authorities in that regard. Was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed."


On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a review meeting on the fire tragedy and announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of deceased Indian nationals from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.


PM Modi also expressed his deep sorrow at the unfortunate incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased, wishing speedy recovery for those injured.


Meanwhile, in a statement, the External Affairs Ministry (EAM) mentioned that those injured are presently admitted to five government hospitals and receiving proper medical care and attention.


According to hospital authorities, most of the admitted patients are stable, the EAM added.


"The Embassy has established a helpline +965-65505246 (WhatsApp and regular call) for family members to get in touch. Regular updates are being provided through the helpline," the EAM said.

Latest News
Passport, visa details compromised in cyber attack affecting Australia's Department of Home Affairs Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 03:39 PM
2nd Test: New Zealand stretch lead to 188 at Tea Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 03:16 PM
Loan limit under PM Mudra Yojana raised to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 03:11 PM
2nd Test: Santner helps NZ bowl out India for 156, take 103-run lead Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 03:06 PM
Misconception that Indians are playing spin better than anyone else: Simon Doull Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 03:03 PM
MP horror: Woman gangraped, husband assaulted; probe underway Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 02:57 PM
Priyanka Gandhi invests Rs 2.24 cr in Franklin India Flexi Cap, fund has ACC Ltd in its portfolio Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 02:53 PM
16 killed in Mexico gang clash Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 02:46 PM
Three-time MLA Kalyan elected Haryana Speaker Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 02:39 PM
Australia: Two dead after truck veers into house Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 02:34 PM
Mahayuti partners plan to ride on PM’s popularity, organise 10 rallies from Nov 7 on Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 02:05 PM
Pacific island country Kiribati holds presidential election Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 12:57 PM
Rahul Gandhi, Kharge urge residents to stay safe as Cyclone Dana hits Odisha Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 12:32 PM
Cyclone Dana: Flight, train services resume in West Bengal Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 12:22 PM
UNICEF pledges support for Kenya's polio immunisation programme Fri, Oct 25, 2024, 12:13 PM