New Delhi: India today sent a huge consignment of food aid to Myanmar, which was badly struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28. The city of Mandalay, which is near the epicenter of the quake, has recorded a death toll of over 3,100 people. As part of its ongoing response to the humanitarian crisis, India has commenced Operation Brahma to deliver timely and essential aid to the affected populace.
On Saturday, a naval ship, the INS Gharial, arrived in Thilawa Port in southern Myanmar, carrying 442 metric tons of food supplies. From the total contribution, which also included rice, cooking oil, biscuits, and instant noodles, the envoy of India in Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, presented the delivery to U Soe Thein, Yangon Chief Minister, for further on-going relief efforts. Among the above food donations is 405 metric tons of rice, 30 metric tons of cooking oil, 5 metric tons of biscuits, and 2 metric tons of noodles.
This relief is targeted toward meeting the immediate food needs of the victims. This shipment is part of India's swift response to the disaster since the first batch of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) was initiated within 24 hours of the earthquake. Humanitarian assistance for earthquake response in Myanmar received pledges of more than 20 million US dollars from QUAD partners, including the US, Australia, and Japan, adding to India's contribution.
In fact, this timely and bounteous provision goes on to deepen India's credentials as a neighbor in crisis, benefiting the hapless population further who have suffered a wrath of natural disaster.
[Source Credit: NDTV]
