‘No Casualties Among Indian Community In Myanmar’: MEA As It Highlights India’s First Responder Policy

<p>India has launched &lsquo;Operation Brahma&rsquo; to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has claimed over 1,000 lives. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that no casualties have been reported among the Indian community in Myanmar.</p>
<p>MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, &ldquo;A massive earthquake struck Myanmar yesterday, causing significant loss of life and property. Soon after the tragedy, our Prime Minister conveyed his concerns and assured that India was ready to provide all possible support to the people and Government of Myanmar in this hour of crisis.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Jaiswal added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar&rsquo;s military-led government, to express deepest condolences and India&rsquo;s commitment to assisting in relief efforts. &ldquo;We stand in solidarity with Myanmar and will do our best to provide relief, rescue, and all necessary assistance,&rdquo; the Prime Minister stated on social media earlier today.</p>
<p>Highlighting India&rsquo;s immediate response, Jaiswal announced the launch of &lsquo;Operation Brahma&rsquo;, saying, &ldquo;Brahma is a god of creation, and as we extend a helping hand to Myanmar in rebuilding after the devastation, the name of the operation holds special significance.&rdquo;</p>
<p>He detailed that the first relief aircraft, carrying 15 tonnes of relief material, took off from Hindon Air Force Base at 3 am and reached Yangon around 8 am IST. India&rsquo;s Ambassador to Myanmar received the consignment before handing it over to the Chief Minister of Yangon. Following this, two more aircraft carrying search and rescue personnel, specialised equipment, and trained canines were deployed.</p>
<h3><strong>MEA Emphasises India&rsquo;s First Responder Policy</strong></h3>
<p>Jaiswal emphasised India&rsquo;s commitment as a first responder in crises, citing past operations. &ldquo;India has been the first responder. When Cyclone Yagi struck Myanmar, India was among the first to provide humanitarian assistance. We have a longstanding policy of responding first to crises, not just in Myanmar but in other affected nations as well,&rdquo; he said.</p>
<p>Regarding the welfare of the Indian community in Myanmar, Jaiswal informed that the Indian embassy is actively engaged with community organisations. &ldquo;There are around 15,000 Indian families, accounting for 50,000 to 60,000 Indian nationals in Myanmar. No casualties have been reported, and we remain in constant contact to ensure their safety,&rdquo; he stated, adding that Myanmar&rsquo;s Indian diaspora of nearly 2 million people is also being closely monitored.</p>
<h3><strong>NDRF Deployment for Search and Rescue In Myanmar Earthquake</strong></h3>
<p>DIG NDRF Mohsen Shahedi highlighted the deployment of an 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, specialised in urban search and rescue operations. &ldquo;One sortie has already departed, and the second is about to leave. The team is equipped with concrete cutters, drill machines, hammers, and search-and-rescue equipment. Trained canines have also been deployed to assist in locating survivors,&rdquo; he said.</p>
<p>Shahedi stressed that the next 24 to 48 hours are crucial, describing this window as the &lsquo;golden period&rsquo; for rescuing survivors. &ldquo;A reserve team has been stationed in Kolkata, ready for deployment if needed,&rdquo; he added.</p>
<p>Commodore Raghunath Nair informed, “There are four ships; two of them are already underway; one sailed at two o’clock this morning and the other one at two in the afternoon, and both ships are expected to reach Yangon, Myanmar, on 31st March. There are two ships that are on standby at Sri Vijaya Puram in the Andaman, and they will sail tomorrow and they will reach at about the same time when the first two ships are leaving that place.”</p>
<p>India has previously deployed NDRF teams for international disaster relief during the 2015 Nepal earthquake and the 2023 T&uuml;rkiye earthquake.</p>
<p>On Saturday, India sent 15 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar&rsquo;s Yangon on a C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Officials confirmed that the NDRF contingent is being airlifted to Myanmar aboard two IAF sorties from Hindon in Ghaziabad, with the teams expected to reach by Saturday evening.</p>
<p>The 8th NDRF battalion, based in Ghaziabad, will lead the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, commanded by P K Tiwary. The mission is being carried out following International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) norms.</p>
<p>The powerful earthquake, which also impacted neighbouring Thailand, has led to the collapse of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure across Myanmar.&nbsp;India shares a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar and has assured continued assistance to the affected region.</p>