India reaches out to over 600 Indians in coronavirus-hit Hubei province

government has reached out to over 600 Indians living in China's Hubei province, epicentre of coronavirus, to ascertain ir willingness to be brought back to India.

India has alrey approached Chinese authorities to allow it to send two flights to Wuhan, capital of Hubei, to bring back Indian nationals from province.

"We have established contact with over 600 Indians across province and are individually ascertaining ir willingness to be repatriated. Our Mission in Beijing is working round--clock on ground to work out necessary logistics," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said at a media briefing.

He said government has been conducting a regular review of situation arising out of outbreak of coronavirus in China.

Indian embassy in Beijing said India was preparing to evacuate its citizens from Wuhan on Friday.

According to Chinese authorities, nationwide death toll from vel coronavirus has jumped to 170.

"We have me a formal request to government of China for bringing back Indian nationals from Hubei province in two flights. We are awaiting for necessary approval from Chinese side. We hope this will be granted soon," Kumar said.

Kumar said arrangements are being put in place for people to travel to airport in Wuhan.

"We remain committed to safety and well-being of our nationals abro. We appreciate support extended by government of China and or ministries in government of India in putting this process toger," Kumar said. PTI MPB AAR