In news :
Myanmar was hit by a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025, which has killed more than 1,000 people so far and more than 10,000 people are at risk of death. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the epicenter of the earthquake was located in Sagaing region 17.2 km from Mandalay city.
India’s ‘Operation Brahma:
- India has launched ‘Operation Brahma’ under its Neighbourhood First Policy and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) policy. Under this operation:
- Two C-130J Super Hercules aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed from Hindon Station Station to Yangon Airport carrying relief material to the region.
- 15 tonnes of relief material including tents, clings, sleeping bags, paracetamol, antibiotics, syringes, scales, bandages etc. were released.
- NDRF teams and Indian Army medical specialists were deployed for relief and rescue operations.
- Emergency medical camps set up in earthquake-hit Telangana.
PM Narendra Modi spoke to Myanmar ruler Senior General Min Aung Hlaing about the magnitude of India’s assistance.
Regional impact of the earthquake
- Myanmar: Hundreds of demolitions, damage to bridges in Yangon, Mandalay, Sagaing and Bago region.
- Thailand: 10 people killed in Bangkok, over 100 injured.
- China: Felt in southern China too, damage reported.
Challenges of relief operations in Myanmar
The earthquake in Myanmar comes at a time when the country is already facing several crises:
- Military rule (since 2021): Democratic government set in motion military rule.
- Civil war-like situation: Clashes between army and rebel groups.
- Instability: Rebels control Florida.
- Economy in shambles: Lack of old-age homes and medical facilities.
- Case in ICC: Military regime chief General Min Aung Hlaing accused of atrocities on Rohingya community.
Earthquake: Important facts from exam point of view
- Cause of earthquake: Unique relationship of tectonic principles of the earth.
- Hypocenter: The point inside the earth from where an earthquake originates.
- Epicentre: The place on the earth’s surface that is closest to the earthquake.
- richter scale: Scale of earthquake strength history (from 0-9).
- Markley scale: Scale of earthquake impact statistics.
- Seismograph: Instrument recording earthquake waves.
India’s ‘Operation Brahma’ not only includes humanitarian aid, but also strengthens the policy of friendship and cooperation with the neighboring country.
source :
https://ddnews.gov.in/operation-brahma-ndrf-team-begins-rescue-operation-at-uhla-thein-monastery/
