- The aftermath of a devastating fire tragedy in Kuwait has left India reeling from the loss of 40 of its citizens, predominantly from the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- In Kerala, the news of the tragedy reverberated across communities, prompting swift action from the state government.
- As Kerala mourned the loss of its sons and daughters, the state government announced a series of measures to support the affected families.
- Minister of State KV Singh’s arrival in Kuwait underscored India’s commitment to extend unwavering support to its citizens in times of distress.
- Amidst the tragedy, Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah ordered an immediate probe into the accident, vowing to hold those responsible for the fire accountable.
- While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, initial reports suggest a possible gas leak as the catalyst for the inferno.
The aftermath of a devastating fire tragedy in Kuwait has left India reeling from the loss of 40 of its citizens, predominantly from the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The incident, which occurred at a labor housing facility in the Mangaf area, sent shockwaves through the nation, eliciting profound grief and sorrow as families grappled with the sudden and tragic loss of their loved ones. Among the deceased, 24 hailed from Kerala, while five were from Tamil Nadu, according to reports emanating from authorities in both states.
In Kerala, the news of the tragedy reverberated across communities, prompting swift action from the state government. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened an urgent cabinet meeting to address the crisis, recognizing the need for immediate intervention to provide assistance to the affected families. The gravity of the situation prompted the deployment of Health Minister Veena George to Kuwait, tasked with coordinating medical assistance for the injured and facilitating the repatriation of the deceased.
As Kerala mourned the loss of its sons and daughters, the state government announced a series of measures to support the affected families. Financial assistance amounting to Rs 5 lakh was pledged for the families of the deceased, while those injured in the tragic incident would receive Rs 1 lakh in aid. These initiatives underscored the government’s commitment to stand in solidarity with its citizens during times of adversity.
Among the victims identified were Shameer Umarudheen, Sajan George, Vadakkottuvilayil Lukose, Akash S Nair, PV Muraleedharan, and Chennasseril Saju Varghese, representing the diverse fabric of Kerala’s populace. Their untimely demise cast a pall of sorrow over communities, leaving behind grieving families and friends who struggled to come to terms with the magnitude of their loss.
In Tamil Nadu, similar scenes of mourning unfolded as news of the tragedy spread across the state. Tamil Nadu Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, Gingee KS Masthan, confirmed that five Tamils were among the deceased in the Kuwait fire incident. The victims, identified as Rama Karuppan, Veerasamy Mariappan, Chinnadurai Krishnamurthy, Mohammed Sherif, and Richard, hailed from Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram, and Peravurani regions of the state.
Meanwhile, the Department of Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NORKA) swung into action, extending its support to the affected families and coordinating with authorities in Kuwait to streamline relief efforts. The tragic incident prompted swift diplomatic intervention from the Indian government, with Minister of State KV Singh personally overseeing the assistance provided to the injured and the repatriation process for the deceased.
Minister Singh’s arrival in Kuwait underscored India’s commitment to extend unwavering support to its citizens in times of distress. He visited hospitals to meet the injured Indian nationals, reassuring them of the government’s steadfast resolve to address their needs and ensure their well-being.
Amidst the tragedy, Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah ordered an immediate probe into the accident, vowing to hold those responsible for the fire accountable. While the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, initial reports suggest a possible gas leak as the catalyst for the inferno.
As India grapples with the enormity of the loss and endeavors to provide solace to the affected families, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the imperative of swift and decisive action in times of crisis.
(With inputs from agencies)
