Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi has expressed deep sorrow over the devastating fire incident in southern Kuwait’s Mangaf, which claimed the lives of at least 49 migrant workers and injured 50 others on Wednesday morning. In his statement, Gopi highlighted the significant impact of this tragedy on the ‘pravaasi’ (migrant) community, particularly noting their critical contributions to the economic stability of Kerala and India.
“The tragedy is so voluminous and impactful, that it is a thud on the ‘pravaasi’ community, which helped the economic situation in Kerala,” Gopi remarked. “The state and the country have very high regard for the ‘pravaasi’ community and it is very painful. The individual loss is of every home which has been implicated by this tragedy.”
Gopi mentioned that Government of India (GoI) promptly initiated actions to address the aftermath of the incident. “India will play its role very well because we have initiated action as soon as the news was received. The GoI will take appropriate actions and decisions and make very appropriate deliverances,” he said. Suresh Gopi also mentioned that efforts are underway to support the affected families. “We have our contingent working to look after people in all health conditions. They will be brought back to India and their rehabilitation will also be taken care of. It’s no graciousness, it is the duty of the GoI and the state government also,” he said.
Gopi commended the External Affairs Ministry for its swift coordination in ensuring the treatment of injured Indians.
On Thursday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) sent a C-130J transport aircraft to Kuwait night to repatriate the bodies of the deceased.
According to the Indian embassy, out of the 45 Indians who died in the blaze, 23 were from Kerala, seven from Tamil Nadu, three each from Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, two from Odisha, and one each from Bihar, Punjab, Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Haryana.
