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Kuwait Fire Tragedy: Modi Saddened, Jaishankar Shocked
A tragic fire incident in Kuwait City has claimed the lives of at least 49 people, including around 40 Indian nationals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar have expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the loss of lives.
The fire started in a kitchen in a six-storey building in Mangaf area in Kuwait's southern Ahmadi Governorate in the early hours of Wednesday. The building reportedly housed nearly 160 people, who are workers of the same company.
PM Modi described the incident as 'saddening' and said his 'thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones.' He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
In a statement, Jaishankar said he was 'deeply shocked by the news of the fire incident in Kuwait city.' He noted that there were reportedly over 40 deaths and more than 50 hospitalizations, and conveyed his 'deepest condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives.'
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that as directed by PM Modi, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh will be urgently traveling to Kuwait to oversee assistance to the injured and coordinate with local authorities for the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives.
The Congress party has also expressed its condolences and urged the external affairs ministry to provide all possible assistance to the Indian victims and their families.
This incident is a stark reminder of the appalling conditions in which Indian labourers live in the Middle East, said Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal.
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, 'The condition of our workers in the Middle East is a serious matter of concern. The Government of India, working alongside its counterparts, must prioritize the safety of our citizens and ensure dignified living standards.'
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking the Centre's intervention in the Kuwait fire incident. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has also instructed her chief secretary and the resident commissioner in New Delhi to inquire after the well-being of people from West Bengal who are in Kuwait.
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the local authorities to provide all necessary assistance to the affected individuals. A helpline number +965-65505246 has been issued.
Source: PM Modi ‘saddened’, Jaishankar ‘deeply shocked’: Condolences pour in after Kuwait fire mishap