Over 150 Killed as 7.7-Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand
India Sends 15 Tonnes of Relief Material to Earthquake-Hit Myanmar following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025. The relief shipment was transported via an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130J aircraft from Air Force Station Hindon late Friday.
The relief package included tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, hygiene kits, TV, solar lamps, generator sets, and essential medicines such as paracetamol, antibiotics, syringes, gloves, bandages, and urine bags to aid those affected by the disaster.
PM Modi Pledges Support to Myanmar and Thailand
Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured “all possible assistance” to Myanmar and Thailand in the wake of the earthquake.
“Concerned by the situation in the wake of the earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance,” PM Modi stated. He also directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to stay in close contact with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand to ensure swift relief efforts.
Humanitarian Assistance a Key Focus at Upcoming BIMSTEC Summit
India’s humanitarian aid efforts were highlighted in a media briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) of the MEA, emphasized the importance of regional disaster relief coordination within BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation).
“The BIMSTEC region is prone to extreme weather events and natural disasters. Collaboration in disaster management through HADR [Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief] exercises has been a priority for India,” Mazumdar stated.
The upcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 3-4 will be significant, marking the first in-person summit since the pandemic and the first physical summit since Myanmar’s 2021 coup. PM Modi is set to attend the summit before heading to Sri Lanka from April 4-6.
India Continues to Lead Disaster Relief Efforts
With Myanmar grappling with earthquake destruction and ongoing civil unrest, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri reaffirmed India’s commitment to being the first responder in crisis situations.
“We are currently assessing the damage in Myanmar. India has always been at the forefront in providing immediate relief during natural disasters,” Misri stated.
The latest earthquake adds a new challenge to the ongoing regional instability, particularly amid Myanmar’s civil conflict and Bangladesh’s political crisis following the August 2024 student-led uprising.
India’s rapid response to the Myanmar earthquake reinforces its role as a key humanitarian partner in the BIMSTEC region, ensuring timely aid and disaster management support.
Also Read : Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake: 3 Dead, 81 Trapped as 30-Storey Building Collapses in Bangkok
