Bangladesh flies emergency relief to Myanmar’s quake victims

Bangladesh has extended support to Myanmar in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake.

Two transport aircraft of the Bangladesh Army and Air Force have already arrived in Yangon with emergency relief supplies.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Sunday, “The two aircraft carrying relief supplies departed for Yangon at 12:35pm on Sunday and will return after delivering the aid.”

The 16.50-tonne consignment includes dry rations, bottled water, saline, tents, hygiene products, and other essential supplies.

The ISPR noted that this is part of a planned relief effort.

“Further relief, along with search and medical teams under the Bangladesh Army’s leadership, will be sent upon approval from the Myanmar government,” the statement read.

A 26-strong specialised search and rescue team from the Bangladesh Armed Forces and a 10-strong rescue unit from the Fire Service and Civil Defence are on standby to assist.

"For medical support, two teams comprising 10 military doctors and 11 civilian medical professionals have been kept ready," ISPR said.

The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck Myanmar and Thailand on Mar 28.

Around 1,700 people have been killed and 3,400 injured in Myanmar so far.

The disaster has triggered severe shortages of food, water, and shelter while a lack of medical aid has raised concerns of a humanitarian crisis.

"Bangladesh is deeply saddened by the suffering of its neighbour," the statement said.

Acting on the chief advisor’s instructions, initiatives have been taken to urgently send rescue and medical assistance teams through the Bangladesh Armed Forces, along with relief materials.