Bangladesh sends emergency relief to quake-hit Myanmar

Bangladesh today dispatched emergency relief aid to Myanmar following a devastating earthquake that has killed more than 1,600 people and injured over 3,000.
Two military aircraft departed from Dhaka for Yangon this afternoon, carrying essential supplies, including medicine, tents, dry food, and medical aid, under the leadership of the Bangladesh Army, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
The relief mission was launched upon the directive of Chief Adviser of the interim government Prof Muhammad Yunus.
A Bangladesh Air Force aircraft C-130J, and an Army Aviation aircraft CASA C-295W took off from Kurmitola Air Base at 12:35pm, carrying the emergency assistance.

Photo: Bangladesh Army

The chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force were present at the send-off, meeting with the relief team and inspecting their preparations.
After delivering the aid, both aircraft will return to Bangladesh. The 16.5-tonne aid package includes dry rations, purified water, saline, tents, hygiene products, and other essential supplies.

Photo: Bangladesh Army

Meanwhile, a 26-member specialist search and rescue team from the Armed Forces, and a 10-member rescue team from the Fire Service and Civil Defence, are on standby for emergency operations. Additionally, two medical teams, each comprising 10 army personnel and 11 civilian doctors, are prepared to provide healthcare services.
Subject to approval from the Myanmar government, additional humanitarian aid as well as the rescue and medical assistance teams, led by the Bangladesh Army, will be deployed, the ISPR release added.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand at 12:50pm local time on Friday, triggering a humanitarian crisis. Many regions in Myanmar are now facing severe shortages of food, water, shelter, and medical care.