Pakistan Delivers 35 Tonnes of Relief Supplies to Earthquake-Stricken Myanmar

Pakistan has sent 35 tonnes of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Myanmar, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The aid includes essentials such as tents, food, and medicines. The earthquake has caused significant casualties and destruction, leading to a humanitarian crisis identified by multiple UN agencies, emphasizing urgent needs for shelter and clean water amid infrastructure challenges.

On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani government dispatched a relief consignment of 35 tonnes to earthquake-affected Myanmar on Tuesday. The cargo flight was overseen by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry at Islamabad International Airport, as reported by Radio Pakistan.

The aid package comprises essential supplies including tents, blankets, tarpaulins, water modules, ready-to-eat food, and medicines. This support is destined for delivery to the Myanmar authorities at Yangon airport, aiming to alleviate the hardships faced by survivors of the disaster.

A recent major earthquake in Myanmar has led to a devastating death toll of 2,719, as reported by the ruling junta’s chief on Tuesday, with expectations that the figure may exceed 3,000. The earthquake, which registered at a magnitude of 7.7, has resulted in 4,521 injuries and 441 individuals reported missing.

The United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has indicated a critical shortage of shelter, clean water, and medical supplies following the earthquake’s destruction of vital infrastructure, including major bridges and roads. Reports suggest that many affected individuals have spent nights outdoors due to a lack of electricity and running water.

Moreover, the urgency of the situation has been highlighted by OCHA’s Myanmar Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Marcoluigi Corsi, who noted the narrowing time frame for effective search and rescue operations and expressed grave concerns about the lack of clean drinking water, raising fears of potential cholera outbreaks.

The World Health Organization reported that hospitals are overwhelmed, with medical supplies depleting rapidly, accompanied by shortages of running water and fuel. Furthermore, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has categorized the calamity as a top-level humanitarian crisis, mobilizing essential resources such as plastic sheets, sleeping gear, and mosquito nets.

Response operations have faced challenges due to extensive damage to transportation routes, necessitating UNHCR teams to take 13 hours to reach Mandalay from Yangon—twice the usual travel time. UNHCR representative Babar Baloch emphasized the necessity for immediate shelter and relief items, noting the added risk of explosive ordnance due to past conflicts in the region.

In conclusion, the Pakistani government has provided a significant aid package to support Myanmar in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, which has resulted in thousands of casualties and injuries. The United Nations continues to emphasize the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, particularly regarding shelter, clean water, and medical supplies. Challenges in response efforts due to damaged infrastructure further complicate the situation, highlighting the critical status of this humanitarian crisis.

Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk