Mumbai, April 21: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on Sunday 'strongly condemned' the serial blasts that left hundreds dead in Sri Lanka. At least 138 people were reported to have died and 400 injured in seven blasts at three churches and four hotels during the Easter mass in the morning hours of April 21. While six blasts took place in the morning hours, the seventh explosion was reported in the afternoon. "Strongly condemn the horrific blasts in Sri Lanka. There is no place for such barbarism in our region. India stands in solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured," Modi tweeted on Sunday. Live updates on Sri Lanka serial blasts.

Modi also had telephone conversations with the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and conveyed "heartfelt condolences on his own behalf and on behalf of all Indians at the loss of over one hundred and fifty innocent lives in today’s terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka." Terming them as cold-blooded and pre-planned barbaric acts, PM Narendra Modi pointed out that "these attacks were another grim reminder of the most serious challenge posed to the entire humanity by terrorism in our region and the entire world."

Suicide bombing in Sri Lanka:

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also tweeted that she was keeping a close watch on the situation and was in constant touch with authorities in Sri Lanka. "There is an update from Colombo. There were three bomb blasts in Churches in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa. There have been three blasts in Shangrila, Cinnamon Grand Kingsbury hotels in Colombo," she added.

Tweets by PM Narendra Modi and EAM Sushma Swaraj

Rahul Gandhi's Tweet on Sri Lanka Blasts

Congress President Rahul Gandhi also condemned the blasts. "I strongly condemn this diabolical act of terrorism. My condolences to the families of the victims. I pray the injured make a speedy recovery," he tweeted.

Helpline numbers have been issued for Indians trying to contact their loved ones in Sri Lanka. The High Commission of India in Colombo said that the Indian citizens in need of assistance or help and for seeking clarification may call the following numbers: +94777903082, +94112422788, +94112422789, +94777902082 and +94772234176.

In the wake of the incident, Special Task Force (STF) and Army have been deployed in areas that are affected by the explosion. Meanwhile, schools have been shut across Sri Lanka on Monday and Tuesday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 21, 2019 01:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).