The UN has warned that humanitarian efforts are being hindered by destroyed roads and hospitals. India has sent relief under “Operation Brahma,” offering crucial support. Authorities have declared a national emergency as the country grapples with aftershocks and mounting challenges.
The death count from a massive earthquake in Myanmar has jumped to 1,644, with 3,408 people injured, the country’s ruling junta said Saturday.
The shallow 7.7-magnitude quake struck northwest of the city of Sagaing in central Myanmar on Friday causing massive destruction across large parts of the country.
Humanitarian operations in Myanmar have been hindered by damaged roads and infrastructure, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Saturday.
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake on Friday severely damaged critical infrastructure including major bridges and roads, making it difficult for humanitarian operations to access areas in need, OCHA said.
“Damage to the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay expressway led to service disruptions, with cracks and surface distortions forcing highway buses to halt operations”, the UN agency said in a statement.
Thai rescue teams used robotic mules on Saturday in front of JJ Mall Chatuchak, Thailand, where an under-construction building collapsed after an earthquake of 7.7 magnitude on the Richter scale hit Sagaing, Myanmar, yesterday.
Meanwhile, the total aid sent by air sorties and naval ships is 137 tonnes. As per the requirement from India to Myanmar, more aid will be sent.
The Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, said earlier in the day that India is the first to send rescue personnel to Nay Pyi Taw.
India on Saturday underscored its swift response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, reaffirming its commitment to being the “first responder,” highlighting the meaning of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).
In a special briefing on Operation Brahma by the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has committed all possible support from India to earthquake-hit Myanmar, adding that India has always been the first responder in such situations.
“When we say the world is one family, Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we also want to mean it. We want to prove that by action and therefore, you know, we are very humbled when we have this opportunity to respond to a crisis such as what has happened in Myanmar and extend our support to people,” he said.
Situation Update For Foreign Nationals Residing In Thailand.
All modes of transportation are continuing, or resuming, normal operations. This includes airports, railways, road, and boat services. A number of sources suggest that today, 29 March 2025, essential services, as well as businesses and tourist service providers, are operating as normal. The areas affected by the earthquake have been limited to certain sites where search and rescue have continued.
While the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) did report multiple aftershocks, they were at lower scales and did not result in further damage to various areas of Thailand.
The situation has largely returned to normal. At the same time, the relevant agencies, in particular the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), TMD, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), and provincial authorities remain on alert to monitor the situation and stand ready to provide further assistance.
Thailand Releases Helpline Numbers For Stranded Tourists.
In a statement, Thailand’s Ministry of External Affairs released helpline numbers for stranded tourists.
General Emergency: 191
Tourist Police Hotline: 1155
Fire and Rescue Department: 199
Emergency Medical Services: 1669
DDPM Hotline: 1784
“Foreign nationals who require emergency assistance may contact the following (above) hotlines, or the local or provincial authorities where you are located,” the statement said.
UN Says “Severe Shortage” Of Medical Supplies Hampering Quake Response.
A severe lack of medical supplies is hampering efforts in Myanmar to respond to the earthquake, the United Nations said Saturday, adding that those affected needed urgent humanitarian assistance.
“A severe shortage of medical supplies is hampering response efforts, including trauma kits, blood bags, anaesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicines, and tents for health workers,” the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said in an update..
Global Aid Effort Begins For Myanmar Quake Relief.
A powerful earthquake has killed more than 1,000 people in war-torn Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand and caused widespread damage.
China sent an 82-person team of rescuers to Myanmar on Saturday, Beijing’s emergency management ministry said.
US President Donald Trump on Friday vowed Washington would assist Myanmar, describing the quake as “terrible”.
The European Union said it was providing 2.5 million euros ($2.7 million) in initial emergency aid.
