00:00 In a compassionate response to the tragic fire incident in Kuwait, Prime Minister Narendra
00:24 Modi has announced an ex-Grecia payment of Rs 2 lakh for the bereaved families of Indian
00:32 nationals who perished.
00:34 The devastating blaze, which erupted early on Wednesday in a multi-storey building in
00:40 the Mangov area of southern Kuwait, claimed the lives of at least 49 individuals, predominantly
00:48 Indians and left over 50 injured.
00:52 The Prime Minister convened a review meeting at his official residence to discuss the catastrophe.
00:58 During the meeting, he expressed profound grief over the incident, offering his condolences
01:04 to the families of those who lost their lives, and wished a swift recovery for the injured.
01:11 PM Modi has directed that all possible assistance be extended by the Government of India in
01:17 this dire situation.
01:19 The Prime Minister has also tasked the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan
01:24 Singh, to promptly visit Kuwait to oversee relief operations and ensure the quick repatriation
01:32 of the mortal remains of the deceased Indian nationals.
01:35 Earlier in the day, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait communicated its engagement with Kuwaiti
01:41 law enforcement, fire service and health department authorities to coordinate necessary actions
01:47 following the tragedy.
01:49 In a statement before departing for Kuwait, Kirti Vardhan Singh detailed the efforts being
01:54 made.
01:55 Please have a look at what he said.
01:58 "See, we had a meeting last evening, last night with the Honourable Prime Minister and
02:03 that's the last update we have about this very sad tragedy and the rest of the situation
02:09 will be cleared the moment we reach there.
02:11 The situation is that the victims are mostly are burned victims and some of the bodies
02:17 have been charred beyond recognition.
02:20 So DNA test is underway to identify the victims and the Air Force plane is on the ready and
02:28 as soon as the bodies are identified, the Kin will be informed and the Air Force plane
02:34 will bring the bodies back.
02:36 The latest figures that we had last night, the casualty figures are around 48-49 out
02:41 of which 42 or 43 are believed to be our countrymen, Indians."
02:46 The fire which broke out in a building housing Indian labourers has had a devastating impact.
02:53 Disturbing visuals from the site reveal the extent of the tragedy.
02:58 Indian Ambassador to Kuwait has rushed to the scene to provide support and oversee relief
03:04 efforts.
03:05 Additionally, the Kuwaiti government has ordered a massive demolition of illegal buildings
03:10 as part of their response to the incident.
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