Pakistan Provides 35 Tonnes of Relief Supplies to Quake-Hit Myanmar
Pakistan has sent 35 tonnes of relief supplies to aid earthquake-affected Myanmar, where the death toll exceeds 2,700. The United Nations reports critical shortages of clean water, shelter, and medical supplies, complicating humanitarian response efforts which have been slowed by damaged infrastructure.
In response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, Pakistan has dispatched 35 tonnes of relief supplies under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The aid, which includes tents, blankets, tarpaulins, water modules, ready-made food, and medicines, was sent to Myanmar authorities via a cargo flight from Islamabad International Airport. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry oversaw the shipment.
The recent earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 has caused significant humanitarian issues, leading to a reported death toll of 2,719, as stated by the ruling junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. The number is anticipated to rise above 3,000, with 4,521 injuries and 441 individuals reported as missing.
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted urgent shortages of shelter, clean water, and medical supplies after the earthquake that seriously damaged infrastructure such as major roads and bridges. OCHA’s Myanmar Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Marcoluigi Corsi emphasized that many survivors were forced to spend nights outdoors due to lack of electricity and running water.
UN agencies have expressed concerns over severe shortages of drinking water and the potential spread of cholera. UNICEF’s Deputy Representative, Julia Rees, noted the dire conditions, stressing that immediate supplies of water are critical amid high temperatures and damaged utility systems.
The World Health Organization reported that hospitals are overwhelmed, while medical supplies are dwindling, alongside shortages of essential resources including water and fuel. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) classified the situation as a severe humanitarian crisis and is deploying relief material such as plastic sheets and sleeping gear.
Response efforts have been hindered by extensive damage to transport routes, significantly delaying aid delivery times. UNHCR representatives indicated that the journey from Yangon to Mandalay has been extended from the usual eight hours to nearly 13 hours, complicating relief distribution. They identified immediate needs for shelter and other relief items and warned of the risks from leftover explosive ordnance in conflict-affected areas.
The recent earthquake in Myanmar has necessitated urgent international humanitarian aid as the death toll rises and critical infrastructure is devastated. Pakistan’s timely dispatch of 35 tonnes of relief supplies highlights global solidarity in response to the crisis. However, the continuing challenges in delivering aid due to damaged infrastructure underline the immediate need for water, medicine, and shelter in affected areas.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
