New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday spoke with Myanmar’s leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and conveyed deep condolences on the loss of lives following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit the neighbouring country a day ago.
In a post on X, the PM also said that India is despatching disaster relief material, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue teams to the affected areas as part of Operation Brahma.
“Spoke with Senior General H.E. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences at the loss of lives 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 & rescue teams are being expeditiously dispatched to the affected areas as part of #OperationBrahma.”
India has handed over the first consignment of 15 tonnes of relief assistance to Myanmar.
The MEA spokesperson in a post said:
“Operation Brahma: India hands over the relief material to Myanmar.
“The first consignment of relief material was formally handed over to Chief Minister of Yangon U Soe Thein by Ambassador Abhay Thakur in Yangon today.”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar posted on X earlier in the day:
“India dispatches first tranche of urgent humanitarian aid for the people of Myanmar.”
“An Indian Air Force C-130 is carrying blankets, tarpaulin, hygiene kits, sleeping bags, solar lamps, food packets and kitchen set.
“A search & rescue team and medical team is also accompanying this flight.
“We will continue to monitor the developments and more aid will follow.”
The Indian Embassy in Yangon said:
“Following yesterday’s devastating earthquake, we are coordinating speedy delivery of assistance & relief supplies from India with Myanmar authorities.
“We are also in constant touch with Indian community. Reiterate our emergency number for needy Indian nationals:+95-95419602.”
At least 1,000 people have died in the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay in Myanmar on Friday and rocked neighbouring Thailand.
The quake was the largest to hit Myanmar in more than a century. The US Geological Survey estimated that the death toll could top 10,000, CNN said.
UNI
