india-deploys-specialised-hdra-team-to-quake-hit-myanmar

In a swift response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, India has deployed a specialised Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) team under ‘Operation Brahma’ to aid rescue and relief efforts in the crisis-hit region.

 

A contingent from the elite 50 (I) Para Brigade, comprising 118 personnel including medical and communication units, was airlifted to Naypyidaw International Airport on Saturday.

 

The operation is being spearheaded by the Commander of the 50 (I) Para Brigade, according to the Indian Army.

 

#MyanmarEarthquake | In response to Myanmar’s devastating earthquake, India launched ‘Operation Brahma’.

A 118-member team from the Shatrujeet Brigade, led by Lt. Colonel Jagneet Gill, will deploy with medical supplies to provide urgent care. The Army will set up a 60-bed… pic.twitter.com/FRVNoWK8qW

— PB-SHABD (@PBSHABD) March 29, 2025

 

Upon arrival, the team was received by India’s Ambassador to Myanmar, along with the country’s Defence and Naval Attachés. Following a swift unloading of critical supplies and equipment, the contingent relocated to a harbour area, approximately 45 minutes from the airport, to coordinate relief efforts.

 

The Indian Army stated that operations expanded on Sunday morning with a reconnaissance team, including an officer and a Junior Commissioned Officer, being inducted into Mandalay—160 miles north of the current base. 

 

Mandalay has been designated as the primary operational hub, with the full team expected to relocate there later in the day. 

 

While aerial deployment remains the preferred approach, road-based insertion is also being considered to accelerate the establishment of the operation theatre.

 

As part of its relief mission, the Indian Army will set up a 60-bed Medical Treatment Centre to cater to the injured, offering trauma care, emergency surgeries, and other essential medical services.

 

The facility aims to bolster Myanmar’s healthcare system, which has been severely impacted by the disaster.

 

Earlier on Saturday, a C-130 aircraft transported 38 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with 10 tonnes of relief material to Myanmar.

 

India also dispatched the first tranche of humanitarian aid from Hindon Air Force Station to support the affected populace.

 

The scale of devastation continues to mount, with Myanmar’s military junta reporting a death toll exceeding 1,600 in the Mandalay region alone.

 

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has estimated, based on initial modelling, that fatalities across the country could surpass 10,000, highlighting  the gravity of the crisis.

Also read:  Myanmar quake unleashed energy of '334 atomic bombs'