In an incident on Wednesday, a devastating fire engulfed a building in Mangaf, southern Kuwait, resulting in the loss of 49 lives and leaving 56 others injured. Among the deceased, 42 were Bharatiya nationals, most of whom hailed from Kerala. The building housed nearly 200 foreign workers, highlighting the significant toll on the Bharatiya expatriate community in Kuwait, which numbers close to one million.
Efforts by Bharatiya Authorities
Bharatiya authorities have swiftly responded to the crisis, intensifying efforts to provide medical care to the injured and to identify those who lost their lives. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, delegated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been actively involved in overseeing relief measures and coordinating the repatriation of the deceased. He visited several hospitals in Kuwait to personally meet the injured and assess the situation on the ground.
MoS @KVSinghMPGonda visited Farwaniya Hospital in Kuwait and checked about the wellbeing of an Indian who was injured in the tragic fire incident in Mangaf. He is recovering well. pic.twitter.com/9G0X3O4NN1
— India in Kuwait (@indembkwt) June 13, 2024
During his visit, Minister Singh met with Kuwaiti officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah and Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. The Kuwaiti leadership has assured full support to India, including medical care for the injured, the expeditious repatriation of bodies, and a thorough investigation into the fire.
Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has personally directed efforts to ensure all necessary assistance is provided to those affected by this tragic incident.
Medical Response and Identification Process
The injured, many of whom suffered severe burns, are receiving treatment across various hospitals in Kuwait. DNA tests are being conducted to identify bodies, some of which were badly charred in the fire. An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft has been prepared to bring back the bodies of the deceased once identification processes are complete.
Minister Singh expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s proactive response and the swift medical assistance being extended to the injured. He visited hospitals where Indian nationals are undergoing treatment, conveying assurances of support from the Indian government and checking on their well-being.
Kuwaiti authorities have pledged transparency and integrity in investigating the circumstances and causes of the fire. Foreign Minister Al-Yahya emphasized that justice will be served, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for the tragic incident.
As both Bharat and Kuwait mourn the lives lost in this devastating fire, efforts continue to provide solace to the affected families and to ensure that all necessary support reaches those in need.
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