Death toll in Myanmar exceeds 1,600; India's Operation Brahma to extend support

NAYPYIDAW: The devastating earthquake in Myanmar has claimed 1,644 lives, with 3,408 people reported injured. Many victims, both alive and deceased, remain trapped under the rubble.

In Mandalay city alone, the Red Cross estimates that around 100 people are buried beneath a collapsed building. Rescue efforts are progressing slowly due to the lack of machinery and other equipment to remove debris. There are also not enough rescue workers on the ground. Witnesses report that locals are attempting rescues with nothing but their bare hands.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Thailand, the death toll has reached 10. Authorities are searching for 50 workers trapped in the rubble of a 30-storey building that collapsed in Bangkok.

The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck at 11:50 a.m. on Friday, Indian Standard Time. Its epicentre was located 17.2 kilometres from Mandalay, Myanmar.

India Steps in with Aid

India has launched 'Operation Brahma' to assist Myanmar. An Indian Air Force (IAF) plane has already delivered 15 tonnes of relief supplies, including food and medicines, to Yangon.

An 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, equipped with search dogs, has also reached Myanmar. Additionally, a team of 118 doctors departed from Agra to provide medical aid.

Two Indian Navy ships, INS Satpura and INS Savitri, are expected to arrive at Yangon port this morning with 40 tonnes of rescue supplies. Two more ships are set to arrive later, carrying an additional 50 tonnes of relief materials.