India Sends Relief to Myanmar as Earthquake Death Toll Rises

India has sent over 15 tonnes of relief supplies to Myanmar after a massive earthquake shook the country. The disaster has killed at least 694 people and left more than 1,600 injured. Officials fear the toll will rise as Myanmar has experienced 14 aftershocks since the main quake. Authorities say this is the strongest earthquake to hit the country in over a century.

What’s in the Relief Package?

According to ANI, the aid shipment includes essential supplies like tents, sleeping bags, and blankets. It also contains ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, and hygiene kits. To support medical needs, India has provided solar lamps, generators, and critical medicines such as paracetamol, antibiotics, syringes, gloves, and bandages.

Embassies Monitor the Situation

The Indian Embassy in Myanmar is closely tracking the crisis. Officials confirmed that no Indian citizens have been injured or killed in the 7.7-magnitude earthquake.

Meanwhile, strong tremors were felt in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. The Indian Embassy in Thailand reassured that no Indian national has been affected so far. “After powerful earthquake tremors recorded in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, the Embassy is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Thai authorities. So far, no untoward incident involving any Indian citizen has been reported,” the statement read. The embassy urged Indian nationals to contact the emergency helpline for assistance.

Myanmar Struggles After Powerful Quake

Since Friday, Myanmar has endured 14 aftershocks. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the tremors ranged between magnitudes 3 and 5. The strongest aftershock, measuring 6.7, hit just 10 minutes after the main quake.

The disaster has caused severe damage, and many areas remain inaccessible. Roads are blocked, making rescue efforts difficult. Aid organizations are struggling to reach survivors in remote locations.

UNICEF and WHO Step In

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has deployed teams to assess the situation and provide humanitarian aid. “UNICEF is deeply concerned about the devastating impact of today’s earthquake in Myanmar on children and families,” the agency posted on X. It also noted damage in Thailand.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has activated its emergency response. Margaret Harris from WHO described the destruction as “enormous” and said the agency is sending trauma supplies to hospitals treating the injured.

Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Access

A humanitarian organization director in Myanmar warned that rebuilding efforts could take years. Joe Freeman, a researcher from Amnesty International, urged Myanmar’s military rulers to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid. He stressed that the earthquake “could not come at a worse time” for the country.

As Myanmar continues to face aftershocks, the situation remains critical. Rescue teams are racing against time to help survivors, but many challenges remain. The full scale of the disaster is still unfolding.