India Enhances Aid to Quake-Stricken Myanmar with 'Operation Brahma'
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Synopsis
India has launched <b>Operation Brahma</b> to assist Myanmar after a devastating earthquake, dispatching two C-17 aircraft with vital supplies and a field hospital. Prime Minister Modi expressed solidarity with Myanmar's people as India coordinates extensive relief efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Operation Brahma involves significant humanitarian aid to Myanmar.
- Two C-17 aircraft delivered a 118-member field hospital.
- India has sent 60 tonnes of relief materials so far.
- Prime Minister Modi has expressed condolences to Myanmar.
- An 80-member NDRF team is heading to assist in rescue operations.
Yangon, March 30 (NationPress) India has escalated its support to Myanmar in the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquake through 'Operation Brahma'. This initiative includes the dispatch of two C-17 aircraft carrying a 118-member Indian Army field hospital unit, which provides women and child care services, along with 60 tonnes of relief supplies. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed these efforts in a recent announcement.
In total, five flights laden with relief supplies from India have successfully landed in Myanmar, as stated by MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
On the social media platform X, the MEA representative shared: "#OperationBrahma is ongoing. Two C-17 aircraft with a 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, including Women & Child Care services and 60 tonnes of relief supplies have successfully arrived in Myanmar 🇲🇲. With these, five relief flights from 🇮🇳 have reached Myanmar today."
In another update on X, the spokesperson mentioned: "Another C130 aircraft has landed in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, carrying 38 personnel from @NDRFHQ and 10 tonnes of relief supplies. This marks the third Indian aircraft @IAF_MCC delivering aid to Myanmar today. #OperationBrahma."
Earlier on Saturday, two Indian naval vessels, INS Satpura and INS Savitri, transporting 40 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, were dispatched to Yangon.
Additionally, a field hospital with 118 personnel, which includes doctors and medical staff, is scheduled to be airlifted from Agra later today.
The MEA confirmed the initial shipment of aid, which includes tents, blankets, food packets, and essential medications, was delivered to Yangon by air.
India's ambassador is currently in Nay Pyi Taw to oversee the relief operations, and there have been no reports of casualties among the Indian community residing in Myanmar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the people of Myanmar and reassured that India would continue to extend all necessary support.
The Indian Navy is collaborating closely with Myanmar's authorities to ensure the effective execution of these relief operations.
Moreover, an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, comprising specialists and search dogs, is heading to Nay Pyi Taw to initiate rescue operations.
This operation underscores India's enduring solidarity with Myanmar, which shares a 1,643-kilometre-long border with India.
On Saturday, PM Modi conversed with Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar's military-led government, to offer condolences and support following the earthquake's devastation and its aftershocks, which resulted in over 1,600 fatalities.
In a message on X, he stated: "Had a conversation with Senior General H E Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. I conveyed our profound condolences for the lives lost in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbor, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this challenging time."
India has promptly initiated Operation Brahma, a comprehensive humanitarian mission aimed at assisting Myanmar in its recovery efforts.
The severe 7.7-magnitude earthquake has caused extensive destruction, with the death toll exceeding 1,644 as more bodies are being recovered from the debris of collapsed buildings. In response, India has accelerated its relief and rescue operations.
Highlighting India's commitment to supporting its neighbors, the MEA stated, "It is our policy to be the first responder."
An 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been deployed to Myanmar, equipped with specialized rescue tools, including concrete cutters, drill machines, hammers, and plasma cutting machines.
The first consignment of relief supplies was formally handed over to Yangon Chief Minister U Soe Thein by Indian Ambassador Abhay Thakur.
Previously, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar confirmed India's rapid response, stating on X: "Operation Brahma: Indian Navy ships INS Satpura & INS Savitri are transporting 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid and are en route to Yangon port."
India also dispatched a C-130J military transport aircraft from the Indian Air Force to deliver additional relief materials.
The supplies comprise tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets, and essential medicines, according to MEA officials.
Sharing further updates, EAM Jaishankar noted: "#OperationBrahma is underway. The first tranche of humanitarian aid from India has reached Yangon Airport in Myanmar."
Earlier on Saturday, the Indian embassy in Myanmar announced its efforts to facilitate the timely delivery of aid and relief supplies from India to Myanmar.
"Following the devastating earthquake yesterday, we are coordinating the swift delivery of assistance and relief supplies from India with Myanmar authorities. We are also in constant communication with the Indian community. Please remember our emergency number for Indian nationals in need: +95-95419602," the Embassy posted on X.
