India Enhances Post-Earthquake Recovery in Myanmar with Equipment Donation
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Yangon, March 30 (NationPress) On Monday, India officially transferred equipment intended for comprehensive post-earthquake building inspections to the Federation of Myanmar Engineering Societies (Fed.MES) during a ceremony in Yangon, Myanmar.
The Indian Embassy in Yangon stated that this initiative, backed by a grant from the Indian government, demonstrates New Delhi's unwavering commitment to enhancing the technical capabilities of Myanmar's authorities and organizations involved in post-earthquake recovery efforts.
This commitment was emphasized by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar during his virtual address at the recent inauguration of the Sarsobeikman Literary Centre in Yangon.
Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, presented the technical equipment to Fed. MES President, U Khin Maung Htaey. The event was attended by several prominent officials, including Aung Kyaw Myat, President of the Myanmar Engineering Council, U Nyunt Maung San, President of the Myanmar Earthquake Committee, and Hla Myo Tun, Rector of Yangon Technological University, along with representatives from UN-Habitat and various international and civil society organizations.
Following the ceremony, a demonstration of the equipment and its capabilities was conducted.
The advanced technical tools provided by India include specialized instruments for subsurface investigations, leveling, digital assessment, structural alignment, as well as equipment for rebound monitoring, assessment, and testing to evaluate concrete strength and quality, identify reinforcement positioning, and monitor any structural deformation, according to the Indian Embassy.
The assistance aims to enhance structural assessment capacities and support ongoing retrofitting and rehabilitation of buildings affected by earthquakes.
The Indian Embassy indicated that the use of this equipment will significantly assist in detailed damage mapping, evaluating building integrity, and facilitating informed decisions for repairs and reconstruction, thereby contributing to long-term rehabilitation and resilience-building in Myanmar.
On March 4, the inauguration of the India-supported project for the construction of the three-story literary centre, known as the "Sarsobeikman building," which is valued at approximately $3.77 million, took place in Yangon.
This initiative, focused on preserving and developing the literary traditions of the Myanmar people, highlights India's ongoing commitment to supporting the socio-economic progress of this Southeast Asian country.
The inauguration ceremony featured a special video address from EAM Jaishankar, with Myanmar’s Prime Minister U Nyo Saw serving as the chief guest.
The Indian Embassy noted that this project is part of India's larger development partnership framework with Myanmar.