India Delivers Aid To Myanmar After Massive Earthquake Under ‘Operation Brahma’

India on Saturday handed over emergency relief supplies to Myanmar, a day after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck the country.

India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, formally presented the relief material to Yangon’s Chief Minister U Soe Thein.

Taking to X, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted, “Operation Brahma: India hands over the relief material to Myanmar. The first consignment of relief material was formally handed over to Chief Minister of Yangon U Soe Thein by Ambassador Abhay Thakur in Yangon today.”

Launched as part of a humanitarian effort, ‘Operation Brahma’ marks India’s support to the quake-hit nation.

A C-130J aircraft from the Indian Air Force delivered around 15 tonnes of relief goods, including:

• Tents,
• Sleeping bags,
• Blankets,
• Food packets,
• Hygiene kits,
• Power generators, and
• Essential medicines

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also took to X, posting, “#OperationBrahma gets underway. First tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached the Yangon Airport in Myanmar.”

The MEA’s XP Division added that teams are currently preparing two more aircraft with additional supplies for departure from Hindon Air Force Station near Delhi.

Earlier on Saturday, India had dispatched the first set of aid materials from Hindon, hours after the earthquake jolted Myanmar and nearby Thailand.

The Indian Embassy in Myanmar confirmed that coordination with local authorities is ongoing to ensure fast and effective distribution of aid.

Taking to X, the 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.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier expressed concern over the earthquake’s impact and conveyed India’s readiness to assist.

“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.

Friday’s earthquake caused widespread destruction in Myanmar.

According to CNN, the death toll has risen to 694, with 1,670 injured in the Mandalay region alone, close to the epicenter.

Officials said 68 people are still missing. They warned that the final toll could exceed 10,000, based on early US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates.

The USGS issued a red alert, citing the likelihood of heavy casualties and major structural damage.

Myanmar’s military leadership has appealed for international support.

Tremors were felt across a wide area – from war-affected rural villages in Myanmar to the high-rises of Bangkok, Thailand, and even into China’s Yunnan province. USGS data showed at least 14 aftershocks since the main quake.

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