OPERATION BRAHMA: India Launches Relief Efforts in Myanmar After Deadly Earthquake

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke to Myanmar's senior General His Excellency Min Aung Hlaing. He said that India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult time. In a post on Twitter, Modi said, "Spoke to Senior General of Myanmar His Excellency Min Aung Hlaing. Conveyed my deepest condolences on the deaths in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour. Disaster relief material, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue teams are being rapidly dispatched to the affected areas under Operation Brahma."

A high-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand on Friday, destroying buildings, bridges and other infrastructure. At least 1,002 people were killed in Myanmar. India on Saturday sent over 15 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar. As part of 'Operation Brahma', India acted as a first responder to assist the people of Myanmar affected by Friday's devastating earthquake. Our first consignment of 15 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, sleeping bags, food packets, hygiene kits, generators and essential medicines, has reached Yangon," Randhir Jaiswal, official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said in a post.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the devastating earthquake on Friday. He wrote on Twitter, "I am concerned about the situation after the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. I pray for everyone's safety and well-being. India is ready to provide all possible assistance. In this regard, we have asked our officials to be ready. Also, the Ministry of External Affairs has been asked to stay in touch with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand."

A powerful earthquake of 7.7 magnitude struck Myanmar on Friday afternoon, this earthquake near Sagaing was followed by 12 aftershocks of 2.8 to 7.5 magnitude, worsening the situation in the affected areas. The information team of the State Administration Council of Myanmar has informed that 1,002 people were killed in the earthquake, 2,376 people were injured and 30 people are still missing. Myanmar leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has appealed to local and international communities for humanitarian assistance