Yangon/New Delhi, Mar 31 (UNI) Indian search and rescue teams and doctors are working round the clock to extend critical support to quake survivors in Mandalay that has seen immense devastation.
India launched Operation Brahma to help in quake-hit Myanmar, sending an 80-member NDRF search and rescue team and an 118-member Indian Army Mobile Hospital unit, complete with operation theatre, specialists and medics.
The Indian Embassy in Yangon said in posts on X:
“Since arriving at earthquake sites in Mandalay yesterday, our teams are working to extend critical support in search for survivors and medical/HADR support. More aid is on the way. Our hearts and prayers are with the affected people of Myanmar.
“More aid and support is on the way to Mandalay and Yangon. Committed to assist people in all affected areas of Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Sagaing and Bago.”
On Friday, March 28, a shallow 7.7-magnitude quake struck north-west of Mandalay early afternoon, followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock.
The tremors destroyed buildings, downed bridged and buckled roads across swathes of Myanmar, with massive destruction seen in Mandalay, the country’s second-biggest city. Over 1,700 people are reported to have died so far.
India’s NDRF team has begun rescue operations at the U hla thein monastery in Mandalay where around 170 Buddhist monks are still stuck under the rubble following Friday’s massive earthquake.
The Indian Army Team is also preparing to set up their Medical Service at a chosen site.
“We are also trying to get the NDRF team deployed at the Sky Villa, where four towers of 11 storey each have collapsed. The towers have several foreigners, or to any another site which the Government of Myanmar considers,” the MEA said in an update on Operation Brahma.
The relief material will also be given to the Secretary General of the state Mahanayak Committee (the second highest of the Committee in Myanmar) where around 2,000 monks are sitting outside the monastery (who are not injured but they have nowhere to go and no basic amenities), the MEA said
Our teams will also be deployed to the Mandalay Palace, Maha Muni Pagoda, MIIT, and other such places where substantial damage has occurred.
We are providing assistance to members of the Indian community for their stay and food, the statement added.
According to reports, more than 90 people are believed to be trapped under the remains of the Sky Villa apartment block.
At the U hla thein monastery, more than 180 monks were taking the third session of a six-day exam for a senior level of monkhood when the tremors hit on Friday.
The earthquake brought down three levels of one part of the building, one on top of another.
On Saturday night, two C-130 aircraft of the Indian Air Force carrying 80 NDRF search and rescue personnel, and two C-17 aircraft with an 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital unit, landed in Nay Pyi Taw, as part of Operation Brahma to help quake-hit Myanmar.
UNI RN