Coronavirus: India evacuates 211 students in special Air India flight from Italy
New Delhi/IBNS: A special Air India flight evacuated 211 Indian students and seven compassionate cases, who were stuck in Italy after several flights were cancelled owing to the deadly Coronavirus outbreak.
The flight landed in Delhi on Sunday morning.
"211 students & 7 compassionate cases departed by AI flight #Milan. All those who helped us through this difficult situation, special thanks to @airindiain team & Italian authorities. Consulate will continue to ensure the welfare of all Indians in northern #Italy," Indian consulate in Milan tweeted early on Sunday morning.
211 students & 7 compassionate cases departed by AI flight #Milan.ðŸ™all those who helped us through this difficult situation. Special ðŸ™to @airindiain team & Italian authorities. Consulate will continue to ensure welfare of all Indians in northern #Italy @MEAIndia @DrSJaishankar pic.twitter.com/eTX6GXHWCf
— India in Milan (@cgmilan1) March 14, 2020
The evacuation by India was carried out after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
Europe has evolved the new epicentre of the virus outbreak.
Italy, which is the worst-hit European nation, has reported 1,411 deaths due to coronavirus. About 175 deaths were reported on Saturday only.
Earlier on Saturday, India evacuated 234 Indians stranded in Iran, which included 131 students and 103 pilgrims.
234 Indians stranded in #Iran have arrived in India; including 131 students and 103 pilgrims.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 14, 2020
Thank you Ambassador @dhamugaddam and @India_in_Iran team for your efforts. Thank Iranian authorities.
At a time when the world is witnessing major coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for SAARC nations to chalk out a strong strategy to fight the virus which is believed to have originated from China and then spread to different countries.
He further suggested that these strategies could be discussed, via video conferencing and by coming together SAARC nations can set an example to the world and contribute to a healthier planet.
In a series of tweets, PM had said that South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population should leave no stone unturned to ensure the health of its people.
He had also said that the Government is trying its best at various levels to combat COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus.
(Image credit: MEA Twitter Page)
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