India, US and more… How countries are extending aid to Myanmar after deadly quake

Myanmar is witnessing one of its hardest times after a devastating earthquake of 7.7 magnitude hit the country on Friday (March 28). So far, more than 1,700 people have been reported dead in the incident while more than 3,000 have been reported injured.

As the country faces widespread damage, nations from around the world are helping Myanmar fight and rebuild itself. India has launched ‘Operation Brahma’ to assist the nation with widespread rescue and relief operations which includes rescue teams, medical aid and relief supplies.

Let us take a look at how countries from around the world are helping Myanmar get back on its feet.

India

India initiated relief and rescue work under 'Operation Brahma' after the deadly earthquake struck Myanmar. On Saturday (March 29), the country deployed two naval ships that began the deployment of an army field hospital with 118 medical personnel to provide immediate assistance to the injured. Two additional naval vessels, currently stationed at Sri Vijaya Puram under the Andaman and Nicobar Command, will be deployed in the coming days to augment India’s aid operations.

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Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that multiple aircraft have been deployed under Operation Brahma. The first aircraft, carrying 15 tonnes of relief material, took off at 3 am from Hindon Air Force Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad, reaching Yangon by 8 am, reported news website NDTV.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Myanmar’s military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, expressing solidarity. In a post on X, he said, “Spoke with Senior General H E Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences for the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour.”

China

The People’s Republic of China deployed an 82-person rescue team to Myanmar on Saturday, as announced by Beijing. Subsequently, on Sunday, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported the arrival of a 118-member search and rescue team. Furthermore, a separate rescue team reached Myanmar’s commercial hub, Yangon, on Saturday, as conveyed by state media.

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The Chinese government will also provide Myanmar with 100 million yuan ($13.8 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance, with shipments to begin Monday, its international aid agency said Saturday.

Hong Kong

A 51-person team from Hong Kong has arrived in Myanmar, the financial hub’s government said Sunday. The city also sent two search and rescue dogs and equipment, including life detectors. The city has earmarked HK$30 million ($3.8 million) for emergency relief support to Myanmar, it said in a statement.

United States

US President Donald Trump on Friday vowed Washington would assist Myanmar, describing the quake as “terrible”. “It’s a real bad one, and we will be helping. We’ve already spoken with the country,” Trump told reporters.

European Union

The European Union said it was providing 2.5 million euros ($2.7 million) in initial emergency aid and assessing the needs on the ground in order to mobilise further assistance.

Britain

Britain pledged £10 million ($12.9 million) in humanitarian aid, with development minister Jennifer Chapman saying UK-funded local partners were already mobilising on the ground.

Ireland

Ireland announced it would contribute an initial six million euros in aid, with half going to Red Cross organisations and the other half to UN agencies.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s foreign ministry said it would send a team to Myanmar consisting of one commander and 49 rescue personnel “to support ongoing humanitarian and disaster relief operations”.

Indonesia

Indonesia said Sunday it will send a search and rescue team, medical team and logistical aid to Myanmar starting Monday. The Indonesian military will send a hospital ship, three Hercules aircraft and four helicopters to assist emergency response, local media reported military spokesman Kristomei Sianturi as saying.

Philippines

The Philippines said Saturday it is sending a team of 114 people, including medics, firefighters and members of the armed forces. The team’s tentative deployment date is Tuesday.

Vietnam

Vietnam said Sunday it would send 80 rescuers to help with search and recovery efforts. The Public Security Ministry said it will send a team of police officers and medics, a ministry-run newspaper reported. All were to be deployed on Sunday.

South Korea

South Korea said it would send $2 million in humanitarian assistance “to support urgent rescue and relief efforts” after the earthquake.

New Zealand

New Zealand said it would give NZ$2.0 million ($1.1 million) to the International Red Cross for the emergency response.

WHO

The World Health Organization has mobilised its logistics hub in Dubai to prepare trauma injury supplies and triggered its emergency management response. On Sunday it said the quake was a top-level crisis and announced it was urgently seeking $8 million to save lives and prevent disease outbreaks over the next 30 days.

Red Cross

The local Myanmar Red Cross Society has mobilised trained volunteers to provide help, launching search and rescue efforts, administering first aid, distributing emergency relief items and deploying mobile health teams. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched an emergency appeal Sunday for more than $100 million to help 100,000 people with life-saving relief.

United Nations

The UN humanitarian agency Ocha is mobilising emergency response efforts, alongside its partner organisations. “A severe shortage of medical supplies is hampering response efforts, including trauma kits, blood bags, anaesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicines, and tents for health workers,” Ocha said in a statement on Saturday.

With inputs from AFP