India has launched Operation Brahma to provide urgent humanitarian aid to Myanmar following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake. On Saturday, an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying approximately 15 tonnes of relief supplies, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and essential medicines, landed in Yangon.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the development on X, stating, “Operation Brahma – India acts as a First Responder to assist the people of Myanmar affected by yesterday’s massive earthquake. Our first tranche of 15 tonnes of relief material has landed in Yangon.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to assisting Myanmar, stating that a search and rescue team, along with a medical team, is accompanying the first shipment. He assured that India will continue to monitor the situation and send additional aid as needed.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar is working closely with local authorities to ensure the swift delivery of relief supplies and has set up an emergency helpline for Indian nationals in Myanmar.
The earthquake, which struck central Myanmar on Friday, has left 694 people dead and 1,670 injured, according to Myanmar’s military junta. The death toll is expected to rise significantly, with the US Geological Survey estimating potential fatalities exceeding 10,000. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, with tremors felt as far as Thailand and China’s Yunnan province.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed concern over the disaster, stating that India stands ready to offer all possible assistance to Myanmar and Thailand.
As Myanmar grapples with the aftermath of the disaster, Operation Brahma marks India’s continued commitment to being a first responder in times of crisis, providing timely humanitarian aid to its neighbors.
