Myanmar earthquake: On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Min Aung Hlaing, the leader of Myanmar’s military government, to express profound condolences for the lives lost due to a catastrophic earthquake. In a message shared on the social media platform X, PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to supporting its neighbor during this challenging time.
Modi emphasized India’s solidarity with Myanmar as it confronts the aftermath of the significant earthquake.
“I spoke with Senior General H.E. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. I conveyed our heartfelt condolences for the lives lost in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbor, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar during this trying period,” Modi posted on X.
In a prompt response, India has initiated ‘Operation Brahma’, which involves the rapid deployment of disaster relief supplies, humanitarian assistance, and search and rescue teams to the impacted areas.
“Disaster relief supplies, humanitarian aid, and search & rescue teams are being swiftly sent to the affected regions as part of #OperationBrahma,” Modi further stated.
Fifteen tonnes of relief supplies have already been dispatched to Myanmar under this operation.
The death toll from the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake has risen to over 1,000, as more bodies have been recovered from the debris of numerous collapsed buildings.
Myanmar earthquake: Latest updates
According to a statement from Myanmar’s military-led government, 1,002 individuals have been confirmed dead, with an additional 2,376 injured and 30 reported missing. The statement indicated that these figures may continue to increase, as “detailed figures are still being collected.” The earthquake struck around midday on Friday, with its epicenter located near Mandalay, and was followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring a significant 6.4 magnitude. The quake caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings, damaging roads, collapsing bridges, and breaching a dam.
In the capital city of Naypyidaw, repair crews were engaged on Saturday in fixing damaged roads, while electricity, telephone, and internet services remained unavailable for the majority of the city. The earthquake caused the collapse of numerous buildings, including several that accommodated government civil servants; however, that area was cordoned off by authorities on Saturday.
In Thailand, the earthquake also had significant repercussions. The greater Bangkok region, which is home to approximately 17 million residents, experienced tremors, along with other areas of the country.
Bangkok city officials reported that six individuals have been confirmed dead, 26 others injured, and 47 are still unaccounted for, primarily from a construction site near the well-known Chatuchak market. On Saturday, additional heavy machinery was deployed to clear the substantial debris, but the hopes of friends and family members of the missing individuals were diminishing regarding their chances of being found alive.
Thai officials indicated that the earthquake and its aftershocks were felt across most provinces in the country. Many northern regions reported damage to residential structures, hospitals, and temples, including in Chiang Mai; however, the only fatalities recorded were in Bangkok.
