New Delhi: India has mobilized a large-scale humanitarian response to assist Myanmar following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the region last week. Under the operation code-named Operation Brahma, the Indian government is providing critical aid to the affected population.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar confirmed that a C-130J aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) took off from Delhi this morning, heading to Mandalay with 16 tonnes of essential supplies, including rice and other food items. In addition, the Indian Navy dispatched INS Ghariyal from Vishakhapatnam, loaded with 442 metric tonnes of vital food provisions.
Dr. Jaishankar also reported that a field hospital unit from the Indian Army has been set up in Mandalay, ensuring medical assistance is available to those in need. Furthermore, 50 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials were delivered to Myanmar authorities in Yangon yesterday. The aid was handed over by India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur.
The Embassy of India in Yangon highlighted that a coordinated response was launched with six IAF aircraft and five Navy ships contributing to the relief effort. These assets are providing critical assistance to regions including Yangon, Naypyitaw, and Mandalay.
The earthquake, which struck Myanmar on March 28, has claimed over 2,000 lives, with more than 3,900 others reported injured. The death toll continues to rise, with 270 people still missing. Tremors were also felt in neighboring countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and southwest China.
To further bolster relief efforts, three more Indian Navy ships—INS Karmukh, INS Gharial, and LCU-S2—are en route to Myanmar with an additional 500 tonnes of aid. Another Indian Air Force C-130 aircraft is also expected to arrive in Mandalay today, carrying 15 tonnes of emergency supplies.
India’s swift and extensive humanitarian response is seen as a significant part of the region’s coordinated relief efforts in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake.
