India Extends a Helping Hand to Myanmar After Devastating Earthquake
On March 28, Myanmar experienced a catastrophic disaster as multiple powerful earthquakes struck in quick succession. The destruction was immense, with thousands of lives lost and widespread devastation. As the world watched in shock, India became the first country to provide immediate humanitarian aid, launching Operation Brahma to assist the affected people of Myanmar.
Myanmar’s Earthquake Disaster – Casualties and Damage
The earthquakes that hit Myanmar on March 28 caused unprecedented destruction:
📌 Deaths: 2,719 people lost their lives.
📌 Injuries: 4,521 people were injured.
📌 Missing Persons: 441 individuals remain unaccounted for.
📌 Structural Damage: Over 10,000 buildings collapsed, with many completely destroyed.
With Myanmar struggling to cope with the disaster, India swiftly launched emergency relief operations, offering search and rescue (SAR), medical aid, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance.
Operation Brahma – India’s Immediate Relief Efforts
India acted promptly and efficiently, ensuring rapid deployment of aid to Myanmar. The key aspects of Operation Brahma included:
Key Indian Relief Operations
1️⃣ First Phase – C-130J Aircraft Deployment
- 15 tons of relief materials, including tents, blankets, essential medicines, and food, were sent to Myanmar.
- The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Ministry of Health coordinated efforts.
2️⃣ Second Phase – Two IAF C-130J Aircraft
- 80 search and rescue experts were deployed.
- 22 tons of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment, communication devices, rescue gear, power generators, hygiene kits, food supplies, and medical aid, were sent to Naypyidaw.
3️⃣ Third Phase – Indian Army Medical Team
- A 118-member team was dispatched to provide emergency medical assistance.
- 60 tons of medical equipment, including surgical tools and mobile emergency hospitals, were transported.
- A 200-bed field hospital was set up in Mandalay, one of the worst-affected areas.
4️⃣ Indian Navy’s Humanitarian Support
- INS Satpura and INS Savitri carried 40 tons of relief materials.
- INS Karmuk and LCU 52 delivered 30 tons of humanitarian aid, including clothing, clean drinking water, food supplies, and emergency storage units.
- The INS Karial, departing from Visakhapatnam Port, transported 442 metric tons of food, including 405 metric tons of rice, 30 metric tons of cooking oil, 5 metric tons of biscuits, and 2 metric tons of instant noodles to Yangon.
Myanmar Expresses Gratitude to India
The people of Myanmar deeply appreciated India’s timely intervention, recognizing India’s immediate and large-scale humanitarian response.
🔹 Voices from Myanmar:
- “We feel safe knowing that India’s rescue teams are here.”
- “We have suffered unimaginable losses, but India did not abandon us.”
- “India’s assistance gives us hope to rebuild our lives.”
🔹 Myanmar Government’s Acknowledgment:
- “India was the first country to send emergency aid.”
- “The efforts of India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will never be forgotten.”
India’s Ongoing Humanitarian Commitment
The Myanmar earthquake disaster was one of the worst in recent history, but India stepped forward as a true friend and reliable partner. Operation Brahma has once again demonstrated India’s commitment to humanitarian service on a global scale.
With heartfelt gratitude, Myanmar’s people have expressed their deep appreciation to India, saying:
“India has stood by us in our darkest hour, and we will always remember this kindness!”
India’s unwavering support has given Myanmar the strength to recover and rebuild.
“True friendships shine in times of crisis – India has proven to be Myanmar’s closest ally!”
