Indian Air Force Ready To Repatriate Bodies Of Kuwait Fire Victims As Nation Mourns

In a tragic incident that unfolded in the Al-Mangaf building in southern Kuwait on Wednesday, 49 people lost their lives, with 42 of them being Indian nationals. The devastating fire, which also claimed the lives of individuals from Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nepal, has left the Indian community in mourning.

Tamil Nadu Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, KS Masthan confirmed that five people from the state have perished in the blaze, based on information provided by Tamil associations based abroad. The minister noted that it would take time to identify the deceased due to the extensive damage caused by the fire.

In response to the tragedy, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh has been dispatched to Kuwait on the instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His mission is to provide assistance to the injured Indians and ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies of those who lost their lives.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft stands ready to bring back the mortal remains of the Indian victims once the identification process is complete.

Kuwaiti authorities are currently conducting DNA tests on the bodies to ascertain their identities. The Indian embassy in Kuwait has assured that all injured Indians are out of danger and are receiving proper medical care.

The impact of the tragedy has been particularly severe on the state of Kerala, with the number of Keralites who died in the fire rising to 24. Additionally, seven individuals from the state are being treated for serious injuries in various hospitals. The Department of Non-Resident Keralites' Affairs (NORKA), a state government body established in 1996 to address the grievances of non-resident Keralites, is actively working to provide support and assistance to the affected families.

As the Indian community in Kuwait and the families of the victims grapple with this immense loss, the Indian government has pledged its full support in this time of crisis. The swift response and the deployment of high-level officials demonstrate the government's commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad.