NAY PYI TAW March 29
Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing made a phone contact with Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi this afternoon to take aid for loss and damage in Myanmar affected by a very strong earthquake which centred about 20 metres northeast of Mandalay at 12.50 pm on 28 March.
In his conversation, the Prime Minister of India stated that the entire nation of India is deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that occurred in Myanmar. He expressed that all Indian citizens mourn the losses and damages suffered by Myanmar.
The Senior General responded that he was deeply grateful and moved by the expression of the Prime Minister of India on condolences for Myanmar and people. He also sincerely appreciates the sympathy and support from the people of India.
As the Indian Prime Minister asked about the current situations, the Senior General replied:
“We are no longer experiencing major seismic activity, but there are still small aftershocks.
Right now, I am in Mandalay,where the earthquake’s epicentre was. Currently, the death toll stands at 1,002, with around 2,400 injured. There are still missing persons, including those trapped under collapsed buildings. Rescue operations are still ongoing, and we are doing everything we can. The situation remains critical, especially in the area where I am now.
I truly appreciate your words of encouragement. It also gives me strength to know that relief supplies and personnel are being sent from your side, as reported by the media. Our main focus is on rescue operations, and we are also working to restore transportation routes that have been disrupted. Efforts are already underway to repair the roads connecting Yangon, Nay Pyi Taw, and Mandalay.” The Prime Minister of India continued: “Thank you for providing a detailed explanation of the current situation in Myanmar.
We fully understand that you are facing great difficulties during this time. In India, we also experienced a similarly devastating earthquake in 2001, which resulted in significant damage and loss. Therefore, we completely comprehend the hardship that the people of Myanmar, who have lost lives and property, are going through at this moment. We stand in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and extend our deepest sympathies and support during this challenging time.” The Indian Prime Minister added that the aeroplane carrying relief supplies from India arrived in Myanmar this morning.
In coming days, necessary aid will be provided for Myanmar.
In performing aid and rescue measures, rescue squads and medical teams already gathered in India will be sent to Myanmar as quickly as possible.
If Myanmar has to inform India about its requirements, India will deliver all kinds of assistance as much as possible. He reiterated that India is standing together with Myanmar which is overcoming hardships. India and Myanmar are brotherly nations, so we will provide assistance to Myanmar as needed.
It is hoped that a meeting and discussion with the Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister of Myanmar will take place in the near future.
The Senior General expressed his thanks to the Indian Prime Minister for his assistance and encouragement. He said he is confident that he will hold bilateral talks with the Indian Prime Minister in the near future. He reitreated thanks for encouragement and aid of India.
