3 weeks ago
Last Updated:March 29, 2025, 12:35 IST
Over 1,000 people have been confirmed dead so far in the devastating earthquakes that hit Myanmar on Friday. Humanitarian assistance has poured in from various countries, including India.
Myanmar earthquake updates: Over 1,000 people dead so far (Reuters Image)
The two devastating earthquakes in Myanmar on Friday claimed hundreds of lives and brought down several buildings and bridges, turning them into rubble.
Over 1,000 people died, while more than 2,300 others sustained injuries after two back-to-back strong tremors rocked the country – first measuring 7.7 magnitude and second 6.4 on the Richter scale. The numbers are likely to rise as the government statement said, “detailed figures are still being collected".
Tremors were also felt in Thailand, where 10 people have been reported dead so far and over 60 were injured, according to reports.
Humanitarian Assistance Pours In, India First To Ship Material
As the rescue operations continue in Myanmar, the local military government sought international aid, stating that it would accept assistance from “any country".
Following its “Neighbourhood First" policy, India launched ‘Operation Brahma’ on Saturday and shipped tonnes of essential supplies, including medical and food items.
Among the 1,500 tonnes of humanitarian relief material, India has transported medicines, ready-to-eat food items, blankets, water purifiers, etc.
India also sent a search and rescue team and a medical team as well as provisoons.
US President Donald Trump also vowed to help Myanmar. “We will be helping," he told reporters on Friday.
A 37-member team from the Chinese province of Yunnan arrived in Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, on Saturday with earthquake detectors, drones, and other supplies, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Russia dispatched two planes carrying 120 rescuers and supplies, Russian state news agency Tass reported.
Malaysia’s foreign ministry said that the country will send 50 people on Sunday to assist in the identification of worst-hit areas and provide aid there.
The United Nations allocated $5 million to begin relief efforts in Myanmar.
Destruction In Myanmar and Thailand
The earthquake in Myanmar struck on Friday with an epicenter not too far from Mandalay. The first quake was followed by several aftershocks, including one measuring as high as 6.4 magnitude, toppling buildings and collapsing bridges.
In neighboring Thailand, the quake shook the greater Bangkok area, home to about 17 million people, many living in high-rise buildings, as well as other parts of the country. When it struck, a 33-story high-rise under construction by a Chinese firm for the Thai government swayed before collapsing in a massive cloud of dust, causing people to scream and run in panic.
Several horrific videos of the tragedy surfaced on social media.
Myanmar’s government said that blood was in high demand in the hardest-hit areas.
In Bangkok, the city’s metro and light rail resumed their operations normally on Saturday, however, two light rail lines continue to remain closed, the authorities said.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the hospital where the injured ones were admitted.
“After concluding a meeting to monitor the earthquake situation and relief measures for affected citizens at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the Prime Minister visited injured patients at Vajira Hospital and inspected the Blue Line MRT to ensure smooth operations for the public following the earthquake at Sanam Chai Station," the Prime Minister’s team said on X.
Location :Myanmar (Burma)
First Published:March 29, 2025, 12:35 IST
News world Myanmar Earthquake: India Provides Humanitarian Relief, Trump Vows Help As Casualties Cross 1,000
