Myanmar Earthquake: Casualties Climb to 3,645 as India Intensifies Humanitarian Support
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Synopsis
The death toll from the recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has increased to 3,645, with thousands injured and missing. The UN reports significant healthcare shortages. India has commenced Operation Brahma to provide crucial humanitarian aid.
Key Takeaways
- Death toll reaches 3,645 with many injured.
- Over 500,000 without access to healthcare.
- India's Operation Brahma mobilizes aid efforts.
- 80% of buildings in affected regions are damaged.
- Food and medical supplies are critically needed.
Yangon, April 8 (NationPress) The number of fatalities from the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has surged to 3,645, with 5,017 individuals injured and 148 reported missing, according to the information team of the State Administration Council late Tuesday night.
As stated by the country's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, 98 aftershocks have been recorded in Myanmar since the initial earthquake on March 28, with magnitudes ranging from 2.8 to 7.5.
Over 80 percent of buildings have suffered damage, particularly in the key townships of Sagaing, Mandalay, and Magway following the massive quake that hit central Myanmar last month.
According to Titon Mitra, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Representative in the country, the health system is entirely overwhelmed, and hospitals are struggling to manage the influx of patients. He noted that there is an extreme shortage of medicines and healthcare supplies.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that over 500,000 individuals across Myanmar are currently without access to critical health services.
Additionally, food is in high demand as markets are severely disrupted in Sagaing and Magway, leading to loss of income for many and signs of hyperinflation, Mitra emphasized.
“Given the ongoing civil war, we must ensure that the aid, if coordinated by military authorities, reaches areas potentially under resistance control,” he stressed.
In the meantime, the United Nations, India, the European Union, the United States, and various international organizations continue to dispatch aid and rescue teams to assist earthquake victims in Myanmar.
India has initiated ‘Operation Brahma’, positioning itself as a primary responder in alignment with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies.
As part of this operation, India has sent substantial quantities of medical supplies and relief materials to Myanmar.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow regarding the disaster and extended condolences directly to Myanmar’s State Administration Council Chairman and Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, reaffirming India’s commitment to aiding Myanmar during this crisis.
On April 4, PM Modi met with Hlaing during the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok to discuss the situation following the earthquake, including India’s ongoing efforts under ‘Operation Brahma’ to deliver humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical support to Myanmar.
The Senior General expressed gratitude for India’s assistance efforts, stating that as the First Responder, India stands with Myanmar during this crisis and is prepared to provide additional material support if needed.
Continuing its humanitarian assistance for the earthquake-affected regions of Myanmar, India on Saturday delivered an extra 442 tonnes of food aid as part of the ongoing 'Operation Brahma'.
This shipment, carried by the Indian Navy Ship Gharial, reached Myanmar's Thilawa port and was formally handed over by the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, to Yangon Chief Minister U Soe Thein and his team.
“Addressing the needs of those affected, a large 442 tonne shipment of food aid (including rice, cooking oil, noodles, and biscuits) transported by the Indian Navy landing ship INS Gharial arrived today at Thilawa Port and was delivered by Ambassador Abhay Thakur to CM Yangon U Soe Thein and his team,” stated the Embassy of India in Yangon via X.
