First Tranche Of Relief Material Reaches Yangon As India Launches ‘Operation Brahma’

India on Saturday dispatched the first consignment of relief material to Myanmar under ‘Operation Brahma’ following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country a day earlier.

An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft carrying around 15 tonnes of aid landed in Yangon, marking the beginning of India’s humanitarian support mission.

The shipment included essential items such as tents, blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, food packets, generators, and critical medicines.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the update on social media. He stated that India was acting as a first responder to assist the affected people.

Taking to X, Randhir Jaiswal posted, “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, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators, and essential medicines has landed in Yangon.”

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the aid was officially handed over to Myanmar authorities upon arrival.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said a search and rescue team, along with a medical unit, was also sent aboard the aircraft.

He further noted that India would continue to monitor the situation and additional support would follow.

“India dispatches first tranche of urgent humanitarian aid for the people of Myanmar. @IAF_MCC C-130 is carrying blankets, tarpaulin, hygiene kits, sleeping bags, solar lamps, food packets and kitchen set. A search & rescue team and medical team is also accompanying this flight. We will continue to monitor the developments and more aid will follow,” Jaishankar posted on X.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar is coordinating efforts with local authorities to ensure swift distribution of the aid.

It also provided an emergency contact number for Indian nationals in Myanmar.

Taking to X, Indian Embassy in Myanmar posted, “Following yday’s devastating earthquake, we are coordinating speedy delivery of assistance & relief supplies from India with Myanmar authorities. We are also in constant touch with Indian community. Reiterate our emergency number for needy Indian nationals:+95-95419602. @MEAIndia”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the disaster and said India stands ready to offer comprehensive support.

He asked officials to stay in close touch with Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, which also felt tremors.

“Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand,” PM Modi posted on X.

According to CNN, Myanmar’s military junta reported 694 deaths and 1,670 injuries so far, mostly in the Mandalay region near the quake’s epicenter. It also confirmed that 68 people remain missing.

The US Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the final death toll could exceed 10,000, based on early modeling. It also issued a red alert for expected casualties and damage.

Tremors were felt across Myanmar, Thailand’s capital Bangkok, and parts of China’s Yunnan province.

At least 14 aftershocks followed the main quake, with the strongest measuring 6.7 in magnitude. It occurred shortly after the initial tremor, according to USGS data.

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