Yangon [Myanmar], March 29: India has extended humanitarian assistance to Myanmar following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Friday. As part of ‘Operation Brahma,’ India handed over the first consignment of relief material to Myanmar on Saturday.
India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, formally handed over the relief supplies to Yangon’s Chief Minister, U Soe Thein. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared the update on X, stating, “Operation Brahma: India hands over the relief material to Myanmar. The first consignment of relief material was formally handed over to Chief Minister of Yangon U Soe Thein by Ambassador Abhay Thakur in Yangon today.”
India’s Humanitarian Efforts Under ‘Operation Brahma’
The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed a C-130J aircraft carrying approximately 15 tonnes of relief materials, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and essential medicines. The aircraft landed in Yangon earlier in the day.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also acknowledged the effort, posting on X: “#OperationBrahma gets underway. First tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached the Yangon Airport in Myanmar.”
The MEA’s XP Division confirmed that two more aircraft are being loaded with additional relief supplies and will depart soon from the Hindon Air Force Station.
India Assures Continued Support
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar is working closely with local authorities to ensure a swift response. In a post on X, the embassy stated:
“Following yesterday’s devastating earthquake, we are coordinating speedy delivery of assistance & relief supplies from India with Myanmar authorities. We are also in constant touch with the Indian community. Reiterate our emergency number for needy Indian nationals: +95-95419602.”
Massive Earthquake Devastates Myanmar
On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the disaster, stating that India stands ready to offer all possible assistance to Myanmar and Thailand. He instructed Indian authorities to remain on standby and maintain communication with the governments of both nations.
According to CNN, the earthquake caused widespread destruction, killing at least 694 people and injuring 1,670 others in Myanmar’s Mandalay region. Authorities reported that 68 people remain missing. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a red alert, estimating that the death toll could exceed 10,000 due to the severity of the disaster.
Tremors from the earthquake were felt across Myanmar’s rural villages, as well as in Bangkok, Thailand, and China’s Yunnan province. The USGS recorded at least 14 aftershocks following the main quake.
Myanmar’s military junta has appealed for international assistance in the wake of the disaster.