Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 29: India is extending a helping hand to Myanmar by dispatching over 15 tonnes of relief material to support those affected by the devastating earthquakes that have claimed at least 144 lives and left more than 700 injured.

The relief consignment includes essential supplies such as tents, sleeping bags, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, water purifiers, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and generator sets. Additionally, critical medical aid, including paracetamol, antibiotics, syringes, gloves, and bandages, has been sent to assist the injured.

The Indian embassy in Myanmar is closely monitoring the situation and has confirmed that no Indian nationals have been reported injured so far. Meanwhile, following strong tremors felt in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand, the Indian Embassy in Bangkok reassured that all embassy members and officials at the Consulate in Chiang Mai are safe. It has also issued an emergency helpline for Indian nationals in Thailand.

Myanmar experienced six earthquakes on Friday, as reported by the National Center for Seismology. The country, which lies in a highly earthquake-prone zone due to the collision of the Eurasian and Indo-Australian plates, continues to face significant seismic risks. Despite this, it has yet to establish a comprehensive national seismic hazard map. Data from the International Seismological Centre indicates that between 1990 and 2019, an average of 140 earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or higher were recorded annually in Myanmar and its surrounding regions.

The recent disaster underscores the country’s vulnerability to major earthquakes and potential tsunamis along its extensive coastline.