Viral Photo: Turkish Woman Kisses Female Indian Soldier on Cheek to Thank Her Amid Earthquake Relief Efforts

Pic Credit: File Photo

New Delhi: Rescue Operations are underway in Turkey and Syria after the devastating earthquake in which over 20,000 people lost their lives. India is assisting Turkey in its relief efforts. The Indian Army has deployed disaster relief teams and set up a field hospital to help the victims of the natural disaster. Amid the tragic news of loss and grief, a heartwarming photo of a Turkish woman kissing an Indian woman soldier on the cheek to thank her has been gaining traction. The warm gesture by the Turkish woman shows compassion for people beyond borders and her gratitude for India's help during a humanitarian crisis. 

The Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADG PI) of the Indian Army shared the picture on Twitter with the caption, "We care."

#OperationDost

We Care.#IndianArmy#Türkiye pic.twitter.com/WoV3NhOYap

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) February 9, 2023

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the army field hospital has been set up as part of India's 'Operation Dost' in Turkey. He also shared photos of the facility.

The army field hospital in Iskenderun, Hatay, Türkiye has started functioning with running Medical, Surgical & Emergency Wards; X-Ray Lab & Medical Store. @adgpi team will work 24 x 7 to provide relief to the affected people.#OperationDost https://t.co/D9ATv2rfAV pic.twitter.com/zFFI85t2sG

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 9, 2023

Jaishankar on Thursday said the sixth plane from India carrying rescue personnel, essentials, and medical equipment for earthquake relief efforts has reached Turkey.The sixth flight carries more rescue teams, dog squads, and essential medicines for the quake-hit country.

The combined death toll in the deadly Turkkey-Syri earthquakes has climbed to at least 21,051, news agency CNN reported citing authorities on Friday. At least 17,674 people have died and 72,879 people have been injured in Turkey, according to Vice President Fuat Oktay on Thursday. In the contrast, according to the White Helmets civil rescue organization, in Syria, at least 3,377 individuals were killed, including 2,030 in rebel-held areas in the northwest and 1,347 in government-controlled areas, as reported by Syrian state media.

(With agency inputs)