Countries and organizations, including India, the US, China, and Singapore, send relief materials and rescue teams following the deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28 has left widespread devastation, with hundreds of casualties and severe infrastructure damage. Governments and humanitarian organizations across the globe have swiftly mobilized to offer assistance to the affected regions.
India Sends 15 Tonnes of Relief Materials
India has sent significant aid to earthquake-hit Myanmar, with around 15 tonnes of relief materials delivered on Saturday. A military transport aircraft, C130J of the Indian Air Force, flew to Yangon, Myanmar, with essential supplies, including tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, solar lamps, generator sets, and essential medicines.
The earthquake, which struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, left over 144 people dead in Myanmar alone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern and assured India’s readiness to offer further assistance, directing authorities to stay on standby and maintain communication with Myanmar and Thailand.
Binance Donates to Thailand and Myanmar
Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, co-founder of Binance, has announced that he will donate 500 BNB (Binance Coin) each to Myanmar and Thailand, following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake. Zhao plans to distribute the funds through Binance and Binance Thailand, ensuring swift aid to the earthquake victims.
Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, co-founder of Binance,
If a third-party on-chain donation platform cannot be identified, he will facilitate donations directly through these channels. The earthquake caused severe structural damage, including widespread flooding, making immediate relief critical for the affected populations.
Chinese Rescue Team Deploys to Myanmar and Thailand
A civilian rescue team from China, Ramunion, dispatched 16 personnel from Hangzhou to assist in search and rescue operations in the epicenter areas of Myanmar and Thailand. The team’s primary focus is to search for survivors and help with recovery efforts. The Chinese team’s involvement adds to the international response, with various countries offering support to Myanmar, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including a civil war and frequent natural disasters.
United States Pledges Assistance
The United States, through USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development), has pledged to provide significant humanitarian aid to Myanmar following the earthquake. Former President Donald Trump had previously promised assistance, emphasizing the United States’ commitment to aiding nations in need. USAID, a key player in disaster relief, plays an instrumental role in coordinating international earthquake assistance. The agency has been on the frontlines of humanitarian efforts for over six decades, ensuring that vital supplies and medical assistance reach affected populations during such crises.
Singapore Red Cross Donates $150,000
The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has pledged $150,000 to support emergency relief efforts in Myanmar and Thailand. The devastating earthquake, which has killed at least 694 people in Myanmar, has led to widespread destruction, particularly in cities like Mandalay. The SRC’s donation will fund essential supplies, such as medical aid, food, and shelter, as well as aid in search and rescue operations. The relief effort aims to provide immediate assistance to victims, with further support expected as more resources become available.
Malaysia Sends Search and Rescue Team
Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) has dispatched an initial team of 10 personnel to Myanmar for search and rescue operations. The team is set to arrive in Yangon on Saturday to assess the situation and prepare for further relief efforts. Malaysia has also been in communication with the Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur, coordinating their efforts to provide timely assistance to those affected by the disaster.
Myanmar’s Request for International Aid
In a rare move, Myanmar’s military leader, General Min Aung Hlaing, has appealed for international aid in the aftermath of the earthquake. He acknowledged the support from India and the ASEAN Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) Center and expressed gratitude for the offers of assistance from various countries. The earthquake’s devastating effects, particularly in Mandalay, have overwhelmed local authorities, with hospitals struggling to handle the influx of casualties.
Challenges Faced by Affected Communities
The earthquake, which struck Myanmar near Mandalay, left entire communities in ruins. The region, which is home to millions of people, is facing severe infrastructure damage, with roads split open and buildings reduced to rubble. Power outages have affected hospitals, which are desperately trying to treat the large number of victims. In the historic Phaya Taung Monastery, rescue teams are working tirelessly to free monks trapped under debris. The devastation caused by the earthquake is overwhelming, and the affected countries continue to rely on international support to aid in their recovery.
As rescue operations continue in Myanmar and Thailand, the international community’s response has been swift and robust. Countries such as India, China, the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia, along with organizations like the Singapore Red Cross, are providing vital relief materials, financial aid, and rescue teams to assist in the recovery efforts. The global outpouring of support highlights the importance of international cooperation during times of crisis, with many pledging to continue their aid as the full extent of the disaster’s impact becomes clearer.
