Myanmar Earthquake: Over 1,600 dead, US agency warns toll may xross 10,000; India sends aid under 'Operation Brahma'
PTC Web Desk: A day after a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, rescuers in Mandalay—the epicentre of the quake—continue to search for survivors amidst the rubble. Myanmar’s military government has confirmed that the death toll has surged to 1,644, with at least 2,400 injured. However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that the final death toll could surpass 10,000 as rescue operations remain hindered due to destroyed infrastructure.
Tremors Felt Across Asia
The powerful earthquake sent shockwaves as far as Bangkok, approximately 900 km away, causing the collapse of several iconic structures and bridges. Strong tremors were also felt in India’s northeastern states, including Meghalaya and Manipur, as well as in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram, and in parts of China.
Rescue operations are in full swing across Myanmar, but many areas remain inaccessible due to damaged roads and bridges. Survivors have recounted terrifying experiences, with one man telling BBC how he was trapped under rubble while using the washroom when the earthquake struck.
After escaping to another building, a second tremor caused that structure to collapse as well. He said his grandmother, aunt, and uncles remain missing, with little hope for survival.
#OperationBrahma @indiannavy ships INS Satpura & INS Savitri are carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid and headed for the port of Yangon.
???????? ???????? pic.twitter.com/MJcG9Dbgnj — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 29, 2025
India Extends Help Under ‘Operation Brahma’
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Myanmar’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing, and assured India’s full support in the relief efforts. “As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour,” PM Modi tweeted.
India has launched Operation Brahma, under which 15 tonne of relief materials, including solar lamps, food packets, and kitchen sets, have been sent via an Indian Air Force aircraft. An 80-member NDRF rescue team, equipped with specialised gear and search canines, has been dispatched to Naypyidaw. Indian Navy ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri are en route to Yangon, carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid.
Thailand Declares Emergency in Bangkok; 9 dead
In Thailand, nine persons have been confirmed dead, all in Bangkok, after a skyscraper collapsed during the tremors. The authorities have received more than 2,000 complaints regarding structural cracks in buildings across the city. Bangkok’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, assured that while one under-construction building collapsed, no fully completed structures have suffered major failures. A state of emergency has been declared in Bangkok, and rescue teams continue to work tirelessly. Reports indicate that over 40 persons remain trapped under the debris, with 15 persons showing vital signs.
International response and aid efforts
Amid US President Donald Trump’s announcement of budget cuts to USAID, the US has still pledged assistance to Myanmar, despite global humanitarian relief operations facing funding shortages.
Meanwhile, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pledged its full support. In a joint statement, ASEAN affirmed, “We will work closely to coordinate humanitarian assistance, support relief operations, and ensure a timely response.”
China and Russia have also sent aid and rescue teams following a rare global appeal from Myanmar’s junta chief, Min Aung Hlaing. “I invite any country, any organisation, or anyone in Myanmar to come and help. Thank you,” he said, signaling an openness to foreign assistance.
Myanmar Faces Energy and Water Crisis
Years of civil war have already left Myanmar vulnerable, and the earthquake has now triggered a severe power and water crisis. Large parts of the country are without electricity, and access to clean drinking water has become a growing concern.
New Earthquake Jolts Naypyidaw
Even as Myanmar struggles to recover, another earthquake struck Naypyidaw on Saturday at 2.50 pm, deepening the crisis. The extent of damage caused by this fresh tremor is still being assessed.
- With inputs from agencies
