India Launches Humanitarian Mission 'Operation Brahma' in Earthquake-Hit Myanmar

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, resulting in over 1,700 confirmed deaths and more than 3,400 injuries, according to the country’s ruling junta (AFP). The earthquake's epicenter was near Mandalay, causing widespread destruction including the collapse of buildings and infrastructure, notably the control tower at Naypyidaw airport, which has entirely cut off access for many regions. Rescue efforts have been severely hampered by damaged roads, destroyed bridges, and the ongoing civil war, complicating logistics for foreign aid. Early assistance has come in from countries like India and China; India deployed military aircraft with a field hospital while China sent 135 rescuers and millions in emergency relief. However, many local residents are conducting search efforts with minimal equipment, facing extreme heat of up to 41 degrees Celsius (approximately 106 degrees Fahrenheit) while recovering bodies from the wreckage (AP). The United Nations has issued appeals for over $100 million in aid, underscoring that the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the civil conflict has left the country ill-prepared for such disasters (AFP).

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit near Mandalay in Myanmar on March 28, 2025, resulting in catastrophic destruction and a rising death toll. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has warned that fatalities could be as high as 100,000. The official count from Myanmar's military-led government reported over 1,000 confirmed deaths and more than 2,376 injuries as of Saturday morning. The earthquake's shockwaves were felt across neighboring Thailand, exacerbating the situation. Following the disaster, Myanmar declared a state of emergency in the six regions most severely affected. Reports from local officials indicate widespread devastation, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Eyewitness accounts describe collapsed buildings and infrastructure, further indicating the scale of the disaster. As the situation continues to unfold, emergency services and humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to respond to the crisis. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to remain cautious while rescue operations are underway.

A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025, at approximately 12:50 PM local time. The United States Geological Survey reported that the epicenter was located 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing, a city situated about 250 kilometers from Myanmar's capital, Naypyidaw, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Tremors were felt as far as northern Thailand, where metro and rail services in Bangkok were temporarily suspended, according to local authorities. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is convening an urgent meeting to address the situation. In China's Yunnan province, the tremor was recorded at a magnitude of 7.9, as reported by the China Earthquake Networks Center. Videos circulating on social media depicted buildings in Bangkok swaying and people fleeing into the streets. Reports indicate that the old Sagaing Bridge in Myanmar may have collapsed. Although no casualties have been confirmed as of yet, the impact on affected regions remains uncertain, and the healthcare system in Myanmar is already strained, especially in rural areas.