India Prepares to Aid Myanmar Following Earthquake
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Synopsis
India is prepared to assist Myanmar with relief efforts after a powerful earthquake struck the country. The government is in contact with Myanmar's authorities to assess the damage and provide necessary humanitarian aid.
Key Takeaways
- India is acting as a first responder in the region.
- A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar.
- Initial reports indicate around 20 fatalities.
- India is in communication with Myanmar's authorities.
- BIMSTEC region is prone to natural disasters.
New Delhi, March 28 (NationPress) In its ongoing commitment as a first responder in the region, India announced its readiness to extend emergency humanitarian aid following the recent natural disaster. The nation remains in contact with Myanmar's authorities to facilitate relief efforts after a significant earthquake struck earlier today.
"Regarding the relief operations, we are evaluating the damage reports primarily concerning Myanmar. We are in communication with the official Myanmar authorities and are assessing the specific requirements for needed assistance and relief. India has consistently been the first responder in the face of such calamities," said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a special media briefing in New Delhi.
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 magnitude jolted Myanmar on Friday, followed by an aftershock of 6.4 magnitude just 12 minutes later. Initial reports suggest that approximately 20 lives have been lost, but the death toll is expected to increase significantly as the situation develops.
"The BIMSTEC region is susceptible to extreme weather events and natural calamities. Today’s devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand underscores its significance. Cooperation in disaster management, particularly through Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises, remains a crucial focus for India," stated Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
While the earthquake also affected Thailand, the Secretary reassured that there are currently no signs indicating any disruption to the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, scheduled for April 2-4 in Bangkok, where numerous regional leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are expected to attend.
"We are coordinating with the authorities in Bangkok. At this moment, there is no indication that the earthquake will impact the summit," Mazumdar added.
Previously, PM Modi expressed his concern regarding the powerful earthquake that struck both Myanmar and Thailand, assuring that India is prepared to provide all necessary assistance to the affected areas.
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "I am concerned about the situation following the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. I am praying for the safety and well-being of all those affected."
"India is prepared to provide all possible support. We have instructed our authorities to be on standby and have also asked the MEA to maintain communication with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand," he concluded.
