India Responds to Myanmar Earthquake with Humanitarian Aid as Toll Rises
In the aftermath of recent earthquakes in Myanmar, India dispatched over 15 tonnes of humanitarian aid. The death toll has reached 694, with over 1,670 injured. Multiple aftershocks followed the 7.2-magnitude quake, causing severe infrastructural damage and prompting urgent rescue operations from authorities.
The series of earthquakes that hit Myanmar on Friday caused significant devastation, prompting India to dispatch over 15 tonnes of humanitarian aid. This aid, sent via an Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft from Air Force Station Hindon, consists of emergency supplies including tents, blankets, water purifiers, ready-to-eat meals, solar lamps, generator sets, essential medicines, and hygiene kits.
The earthquake’s death toll has tragically risen to 694, with at least 1,670 individuals injured, according to reports from the country’s ruling military government. Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, has ordered urgent rescue and relief efforts in the affected regions to help survivors and mitigate further casualties. Eyewitness reports described widespread panic, with people rushing from swaying buildings, and viral videos illustrated the tremors’ impact on infrastructure.
Following the initial 7.2-magnitude earthquake, the region experienced a 6.4-magnitude aftershock, as well as a 4.9-magnitude quake later the same day. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) confirmed multiple seismic events throughout the day, all occurring at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, heightening the likelihood of continued aftershocks.
Another 4.2-magnitude aftershock hit late Friday night, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. The earthquakes wreaked havoc on infrastructure, with significant damage reported. Notably, a 30-story under-construction building in Bangkok collapsed, trapping 43 workers inside. A CNN video captured the full force of the tremors, showing a bridge over the Irrawaddy River collapsing amidst dust clouds.
India’s humanitarian response to the devastating earthquakes in Myanmar underscores the urgency of international cooperative efforts in times of crisis. The rising death toll and extensive injuries reveal the significant impact on the population, while subsequent aftershocks and severe structural damage further complicate relief efforts. Swift action is paramount to help affected communities recover and rebuild.
Original Source: www.financialexpress.com
