Kuwait building fire: MoS for External Affairs rushed to Kuwait, Kerala CM writes to Jaishankar and other updates

The government of India rushed MoS for External Affairs to Kuwait after a major fire in a six-story building in Mangaf reportedly claimed the lives of scores of Indians. The building, used by Indian laborers, went up in flames on Wednesday morning, killing at least 49 people. Names of the victims suggest most victims hail from Kerala. 

FULL REPORT | Kuwait building fire: Scores of Indians, mostly Keralites, feared dead in Mangaf tragedy; many victims identified

Here are all steps taken by the Government of India so far to ensure the well-being of hospitalized survivors. Necessary steps are being taken to bring back the mortal remains of the victims to their families at the earliest:

HELPLINE NUMBER: The Indian Embassy's helpline number (+965-65505246) may be reached by phone or WhatsApp.

6:51 PM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan writes to Union Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, urging immediate intervention in the wake of the fire in Kuwait.

ALSO READ | Kuwait building fire: What caused the tragedy that killed many including Indians in Mangaf?

6:06 PM: MoS MEA Kirti Vardhan Singh will visit Kuwait. "As directed by PM @narendramodi, MoS for External Affairs @KVSinghMPGonda is urgently travelling to Kuwait to oversee assistance to those injured in the fire tragedy and to coordinate with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains of those who have died in this unfortunate incident," MEA India spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal jotted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday evening. 

7:21 PM: Confirming his immediate departure to Kuwait, MoS MEA Kirti Vardhan Singh told news agency ANI,"PM Modi has called us for a meeting and after the meeting we will visit Kuwait. An immediate action will be taken..."

5:31 PM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoles the tragedy. "The fire mishap in Kuwait City is saddening. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their near and dear ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait is closely monitoring the situation and working with the authorities there to assist the affected," the PM tweeted. 

4:36 PM: Ambassador of India to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika visited the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, amongst other medical institutions, where many of the injured Indians were initially admitted. He ensured the Indian workers of full support from the Embassy's side, an official handle said on X.