Mandalay [Myanmar]: India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has launched Operation Brahma to assist in rescue efforts in earthquake-hit Myanmar, where around 170 monks remain trapped at the U Hla Thein Monastery, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Key Developments in Myanmar Earthquake Crisis
🔹 Death Toll & Injuries: At least 1,700 dead, 3,400 injured, and nearly 300 people still missing, as per Myanmar’s military government. The USGS warns the toll could exceed 10,000 based on early estimates.
🔹 NDRF Rescue Efforts:
✅ Monastery Rescue – Teams are working to evacuate 170 trapped monks and provide aid to 2,000 displaced monks outside the monastery.
✅ Sky Villa Towers – Plans to deploy NDRF at the collapsed 11-story towers, where several foreigners remain trapped.
✅ Medical Aid Setup – Indian Army teams to visit hospitals today and establish medical services on Tuesday.
✅ Relief Material Distribution – Essential supplies arriving tomorrow will be handed over to the Secretary General of State Mahanayak Committee.
✅ Other Locations – Teams will also be deployed to Mandalay Palace, Maha Muni Pagoda, MIIT, and other heavily impacted sites.
Earthquake Details & Impact
📍 Epicenter: Myanmar’s Sagaing region, near Mandalay – a city of 1.5 million people.
📍 Magnitude: 7.7, followed by strong 6.7 aftershocks.
📍 Widespread Destruction: Buildings, bridges, and temples have collapsed, leaving thousands homeless.
📍 Impact Beyond Myanmar: In Bangkok, Thailand, a high-rise building collapse killed at least 18 people and left dozens trapped.
Global & Regional Response
🌍 India’s NDRF leading rescue efforts under Operation Brahma.
🌍 Local authorities struggling to manage large-scale destruction.
🌍 Concerns over more aftershocks worsening the situation.
India’s humanitarian efforts in Myanmar continue, with NDRF and Army teams working tirelessly to rescue survivors and provide relief. The global community closely watches as rescue missions unfold in the earthquake-ravaged region.