Pakistan Sends 35 Tonnes of Relief Supplies to Earthquake-Hit Myanmar
The Government of Pakistan has sent 35 tonnes of relief supplies to earthquake-hit Myanmar, including tents, water, food, and medicines. The disaster has resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage, with rising humanitarian needs including shelter and clean water. International agencies, including the UN, are mobilizing efforts to address the crisis amidst logistical challenges.
On the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Government of Pakistan has dispatched a relief consignment comprising 35 tonnes of aid to earthquake-impacted Myanmar. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry officially saw off the cargo flight at Islamabad International Airport, as reported by Radio Pakistan.
The assistance package includes essential supplies such as tents, blankets, tarpaulins, water modules, ready-made food, and medicines, which will be delivered to the authorities in Myanmar at Yangon airport. Following a major earthquake last week, the death toll has tragically risen to 2,719 and is expected to surpass 3,000, as stated by the chief of the ruling junta.
Min Aung Hlaing addressed the nation, reporting 4,521 injuries and 441 individuals still missing due to the aftermath of the 7.7 magnitude quake. The United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has highlighted severe shortages of shelter, clean drinking water, and medical provisions, calling the situation dire.
Critical infrastructure has been severely affected, complicating response efforts. OCHA’s Myanmar Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Marcoluigi Corsi, emphasized that people spent the night outdoors due to lack of electricity and water. UNICEF’s Julia Rees noted the urgent need for water amidst the extreme heat and the damage to water supply infrastructure.
The World Health Organization reports that hospitals are overwhelmed, with dwindling medical supplies. The UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, has classified the situation as a humanitarian crisis and is mobilizing essential items such as plastic sheets, sleeping materials, and mosquito nets. Additionally, logistical challenges persist due to damaged roads and bridges, delaying aid delivery significantly.
UNHCR representative Babar Baloch has indicated that shelter remains the most urgent need, while also expressing concerns over the risks posed by unexploded ordnance due to ongoing conflicts in the region.
In conclusion, the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar following the devastating earthquake has prompted international aid responses such as the 35-tonne relief effort from Pakistan. The rising death toll, extensive injuries, and lack of basic necessities like water and shelter underscore the dire situation. As aid agencies work to navigate logistical challenges, the immediate focus remains on providing essential relief to affected populations.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
