National: New Delhi has dispatched a significant consignment of humanitarian assistance to Myanmar, which is still reeling from the impact of a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the nation the previous week. The relief effort, undertaken on April 6th, saw a substantial 31 tonnes of essential supplies being airlifted to the neighboring country.
The aid package notably includes crucial replenishment stores specifically intended for the Indian Army’s field hospital unit currently operating within Myanmar. This move aims to further strengthen New Delhi’s ongoing commitment to providing vital support to those affected by the devastating earthquake.
A C-17 Globemaster, a heavy-lift aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force, was deployed for this crucial mission. The aircraft took flight from the Hindon air force station located in Ghaziabad in the early hours of Sunday, carrying the much-needed relief materials.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar took to social media platform X to announce the development. In his post, he highlighted “#OperationBrahma” and confirmed the departure of the C-17 aircraft bound for Mandalay with the 31 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including the resupply for the Indian Army’s medical facility. He also shared accompanying photographs of the aid mission.
The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, had struck Myanmar the previous week, and the resulting devastation has been immense. Tragically, the death toll has now surpassed 3,000 individuals, and rescue teams are still tirelessly working to locate any remaining survivors amidst the widespread destruction.
India’s prompt response to this crisis was initiated under the banner of ‘Operation Brahma’. This relief mission was launched swiftly following the earthquake that not only impacted Myanmar but also parts of Thailand on March 28th.
The Indian Army’s field hospital, established as part of ‘Operation Brahma’, continues its vital humanitarian work in Myanmar. Simultaneously, the local government and its various agencies are also persevering with their own extensive relief and rescue operations across the affected regions.
The field hospital unit, comprising a dedicated team of 118 personnel, was initially deployed to Myanmar on March 29th. The deployment was accomplished using two C-17 heavy-lift aircraft from the IAF, which had departed from Agra. The Indian Army has strategically set up this crucial medical facility in Mandalay to provide much-needed healthcare assistance to the earthquake victims.