Navy ships from Andaman to carry relief material to quake-hit Myanmar

IANS March 30, 2025 270 views

India intensifies disaster response as Navy ships Karmuk and LCU 52 sail from Andaman with critical supplies for quake-hit Myanmar. The mission follows earlier deployment of ships Satpura and Savitri, plus five airlifted relief flights carrying 60+ tonnes of aid. A 118-member Army field hospital team, including women and childcare specialists, has been stationed in Yangon. The 7.7-magnitude quake has claimed over 1,644 lives, prompting India's largest regional HADR operation this year.

"The Indian Navy remains committed to India's resolve to remain the 'First Responder' in the region" – Official Statement
New Delhi, March 30: Indian Navy ships Karmuk and LCU 52 from the Andaman and Nicobar Command will also be sailing for Yangon on Sunday to boost 'Operation Brahma' to render assistance to earthquake-hit Myanmar.

Key Points

1

Andaman-based ships join Satpura & Savitri in relief mission

2

52 tonnes of aid including food, medicines, water dispatched

3

Army field hospital with 118 personnel airlifted

4

Five relief flights land in Myanmar with 60+ tonnes supplies

Under MEA's direction, the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts are being progressed in conjunction with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and NDRF.

On Saturday, the Naval ships Satpura and Savitri, from the Eastern Naval Command, sailed for Yangon.

Approximately 52 tonnes of relief material have been embarked onboard these ships, including HADR pallets consisting of essential clothing, drinking water, food, medicines, and emergency stores.

"The Indian Navy remains committed to India's resolve to remain the 'First Responder' in the region," said an official statement.

Earlier, India intensified its efforts to assist Myanmar by sending two C-17 aircraft with a 118-member Indian Army field hospital unit, including women and childcare services, as well as 60 tonnes of relief material, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

In total, five flights providing relief material from India landed in Myanmar, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Taking to social media platform X, MEA spokesperson wrote: "#OperationBrahma continues. Two C-17 aircraft with 118-member Indian Army Field Hospital Unit, including Women & Child Care services and 60 tonnes of relief material have landed in Myanmar. With these, five relief flights from India have landed in Myanmar today."

The spokesperson in another X post said: "Another C130 aircraft landed in the capital city Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, with 38 personnel of @NDRFHQ & 10 tonnes of relief material. This is the third Indian aircraft @IAF_MCC to bring relief assistance to Myanmar today. #OperationBrahma."

Additionally, a field hospital with 118 personnel, including doctors, were airlifted from Agra.

The massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Friday led to widespread destruction, with the death toll surpassing 1,644 as more bodies are being pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is why I'm proud to be Indian! 🇮🇳 Our Navy and armed forces stepping up when neighbors need help. The field hospital with women and childcare services is especially thoughtful.
R
Rahul S.
While I appreciate the humanitarian effort, I wonder if we could coordinate better with local NGOs who understand the terrain and needs better. Sometimes big military operations aren't the most efficient for disaster relief.
A
Anjali M.
The Andaman command is perfectly positioned for these regional responses. Smart deployment! Hope the relief reaches those who need it most quickly.
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Sanjay P.
52 tonnes of supplies is impressive! But with 1,644 lives lost already, I hope they're sending search and rescue teams too. Time is critical in these situations.
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Meena L.
The women and childcare services being included warms my heart ❤️ Disasters hit vulnerable groups hardest. This is how you do humanitarian aid right!
V
Vikram J.
Operation Brahma is a great example of regional cooperation. Hope this strengthens India-Myanmar relations. The death toll numbers are heartbreaking though - can't imagine what survivors are going through.

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Tags:
Indian Navy Operation Brahma Myanmar earthquake Andaman Command HADR Karmuk LCU 52