According to the NDRF, this is the first time that women officials have been deputed for an international rescue operation. The NDRF has been part of two similar international operations including the 2011 Japan disaster (earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown) and the 2015 Nepal earthquake

Government of India on Monday decided to rush NDRF teams along with medical aid and relief material to Turkey following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instructions to offer all possible assistance to the country

The massive earthquake that struck Monday has killed over 5000 people and flattened thousands of buildings in Turkey and neighbouring Syria. It was centred in Turkey's southeastern province of Kahramanmaras and was felt as far away as Cairo

First team comprises of 51 rescuers, which includes two dog squads. The team is led by Deputy commandant Deepak Talwar. The team has one doctor and paramedics. It is the first International operation in the history of NDRF in which female rescuers are included. The team has 5 rescuers including one sub inspector rank woman official, an NDRF PRO said

The second NDRF team of 50 rescuers left from Hinden Airbase in Ghaziabad at around 12:32 pm. This team is led by Gurminder Singh, Commandant, NDRF. Singh will be also supervising the rescue operations in Turkey, according to NDRF PRO