India has stepped up its humanitarian assistance to Myanmar in the wake of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on Friday, leaving hundreds dead and thousands injured.
On Saturday, India handed over the first tranche of relief materials to Myanmar, with India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, formally delivering the aid to Yangon Chief Minister U Soe Thein.
India has launched “Operation Brahma”, a humanitarian mission to assist Myanmar in its recovery. An Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J aircraft carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and essential medicines, landed in Yangon on Saturday morning.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the mission in a post on X, saying: “#OperationBrahma gets underway. First tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached the Yangon Airport in Myanmar.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that two more aircraft are currently being prepared to transport additional relief supplies, departing soon from Hindon Air Force Station in India.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar is actively coordinating with local authorities to ensure the swift distribution of aid. The embassy also issued an emergency contact number for Indian nationals in Myanmar who may need assistance.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the earthquake’s impact in Myanmar and Thailand. Taking to X, he assured India’s commitment to assisting the affected nations: “Concerned by the situation in the wake of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance.”
The earthquake, with an epicenter in Myanmar’s Mandalay region, has resulted in at least 694 confirmed deaths and 1,670 injuries, as per the Myanmar military junta. Officials also reported that 68 people remain missing, and early estimates suggest the death toll could exceed 10,000, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The USGS has issued a “red alert” for the earthquake, warning of “high casualties and extensive damage.” In response, Myanmar’s ruling military junta has made an international plea for assistance.
The tremors were felt across Myanmar and neighboring regions, including Bangkok, Thailand, and China’s Yunnan province. The country has also experienced at least 14 aftershocks since the initial quake.
With Operation Brahma underway, India has reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and disaster relief, swiftly mobilizing aid to Myanmar in its time of crisis. As additional relief consignments are prepared for departure, India stands as a strong ally in Myanmar’s path to recovery.
