Kerala announces aid for Kuwait fire victims; MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh visits Kuwait

In response to the devastating fire at a residential building in Kuwait, the Kerala government has announced a financial aid package of Rs 5 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh arrived in Kuwait on Thursday to assess the situation and visit the injured.

Singh visited Jaber Hospital and met with six injured Indians. Under the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait has been coordinating with local authorities to assist the victims and facilitate the repatriation of the deceased.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that around 40 Indians died in the fire, with over 50 injured. The injured are being treated in five government hospitals in Kuwait: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, and Jahra. Most of the admitted patients are stable.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait said, “On the directions of PM @narendramodiji, MoS @KVSinghMPGonda arrived in Kuwait and immediately rushed to Jaber hospital to ascertain the well-being of injured Indians in the fire incident yesterday. He met the six injured admitted at the hospital. All of them are safe.”

Kerala Health Minister Veena George, along with State Mission Director (NHM) Jeevan Babu, will travel to Kuwait to assist affected families and oversee the repatriation of the deceased.

Kerala’s representative in Delhi, Professor K V Thomas, is maintaining constant contact with the MEA to ensure ongoing support. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has set up a helpline for family members seeking information and updates.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting following the incident and announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for the families of the deceased. He expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and assured all possible assistance from the Indian government.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his Kuwaiti counterpart, Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, urging a thorough investigation and the early repatriation of the mortal remains. He confirmed that the injured were receiving the necessary medical attention.

An Indian Air Force plane is on standby to facilitate the return of the bodies once identification is complete.