In a swift humanitarian response, India has deployed an 80-member team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to Myanmar under Operation Brahma to assist in relief and rescue efforts following a devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar and neighboring Thailand on Friday. The earthquake led to widespread destruction of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure, with Myanmar alone reporting over 1,002 fatalities.

India’s Humanitarian Response

Given the strong bilateral ties between India and Myanmar and the 1,643-km-long shared border, India was among the first countries to extend support. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the disaster and assured immediate assistance to Myanmar and Thailand. In line with this, India has mobilized NDRF personnel equipped with specialized rescue tools to aid in ongoing operations.

The NDRF contingent, led by a Commandant-rank officer, is expected to reach Myanmar by Saturday evening. This deployment marks the third time India has sent the NDRF abroad for disaster relief, with previous missions including:

• Nepal earthquake (2015)

• Türkiye earthquake (2023)

Alongside the rescue personnel, India has sent 15 tonnes of relief material via an Indian Air Force C130J military transport aircraft to Yangon, Myanmar's largest city. The relief package consists of medical supplies, food, water, tents, and essential equipment to aid in rehabilitation efforts.

Understanding Operation Brahma

Operation Brahma is the code name assigned to India's disaster relief mission in Myanmar, symbolizing India's commitment to providing immediate humanitarian assistance to its neighbors. The operation underscores India's leadership in disaster response in the region, with the NDRF playing a crucial role in international relief efforts.

The NDRF is India's elite disaster response force, trained in urban search and rescue, collapsed structure management, and medical aid. The force has previously played a critical role in domestic calamities such as cyclones, floods, and earthquakes.

Devastation in Myanmar and Thailand

Friday’s earthquake caused massive destruction in Myanmar and parts of Thailand, with Myanmar bearing the brunt of the disaster. The tremors reduced buildings to rubble, collapsed bridges, and left thousands homeless. Rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency teams working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under debris.

The Myanmar government has issued an urgent appeal for international assistance, citing a shortage of medical supplies, rescue equipment, and emergency shelters.

India’s Track Record in Disaster Relief

India has established itself as a regional leader in humanitarian aid and disaster relief. The country has provided timely assistance during:

• 2023 Türkiye earthquake: Over 200 NDRF personnel, relief supplies, and a field hospital were deployed.

• 2015 Nepal earthquake: India sent over 1,000 NDRF personnel, relief materials, and helicopters for rescue missions.

• 2022 Bangladesh floods: India supplied emergency food, water, and medical aid to flood-affected regions.

The deployment of NDRF in Myanmar under Operation Brahma reaffirms India’s commitment to assisting its neighbors in times of crisis.

Conclusion

India’s decision to send an 80-member NDRF team and 15 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar highlights its rapid and proactive approach in humanitarian assistance. With rescue operations underway, India's efforts under Operation Brahma will play a crucial role in alleviating the crisis and supporting Myanmar's recovery.

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