India continues humanitarian assistance to quake-hit Myanmar

NEW DELHI, April 1: India’s commitment to aiding Myanmar following the devastating earthquake on March 28 remained steadfast, as the country dispatched further assistance to address the urgent needs of the affected population on Tuesday.
An additional IAF C-130J aircraft carrying 16 tonnes of vital Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief materials, including tents, gensets, food, drinking water, and emergency medicines, landed in Mandalay, said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The materials are intended to meet the immediate requirements of those affected by the earthquake, providing relief and comfort in the wake of widespread destruction.
Moreover, Indian Naval Ship ‘Gharial’ departed from Visakhapatnam Port on Tuesday to deliver a huge 442 metric tons of food aid to Myanmar. This massive shipment includes 405 metric tons of rice, 30 metric tons of cooking oil, five metric tons of biscuits, and two metric tons of instant noodles.
These items delivered by the Indian aid team are aimed at alleviating food insecurity and ensuring that the affected population has access to essential sustenance during this critical time.
All these efforts are part of ‘Operation Brahma’, a comprehensive, whole-of-government initiative launched by India to provide Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical assistance to Myanmar in the aftermath of the earthquake.
India’s initial response began with the dispatch of a C-130J aircraft on March 29, carrying 15 tonnes of essential supplies, including tents, blankets, medicines, and food, to Yangon.The following day, two additional IAF C-130J aircraft delivered 80 NDRF Search and Rescue specialists along with essential relief materials, landing in Naypyitaw.India has also reiterated its readiness to deploy more resources as necessary, ensuring that Myanmar receives all the support needed for its recovery. As a First Responder in the region, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to its Neighbourhood First and Act East policies, reinforcing its position as a reliable partner in times of crisis, said the ministry. (IANS)