Pakistan Sends Urgent Relief Supplies to Earthquake-Hit Myanmar

Pakistan has dispatched a 35-tonne relief package to earthquake-affected Myanmar. The aid includes essential supplies like tents, blankets, and food. The earthquake resulted in a death toll exceeding 2,700, with critical infrastructure severely damaged. Agencies warn of acute shortages of water, medical supplies, and shelter amidst a growing humanitarian crisis.

On the directive of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government of Pakistan has dispatched a relief consignment consisting of 35 tonnes to earthquake-stricken Myanmar. The cargo was seen off by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry at Islamabad International Airport, as reported by Radio Pakistan. The aid package comprises tents, blankets, tarpaulins, water modules, ready-made food, and medicines, which will be delivered to the authorities at Yangon airport.

The devastating earthquake last week in Myanmar has resulted in a tragic death toll of 2,719, according to the chief of the ruling junta, with estimates suggesting it may exceed 3,000. Min Aung Hlaing disclosed that 4,521 individuals have sustained injuries, while 441 remain unaccounted for following the 7.7 magnitude quake that struck last Friday.

Following the earthquake, the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported a significant shortage of shelter, clean water, and medical supplies. The earthquake has caused extensive structural damage and human suffering, leading to urgent humanitarian needs.

Critical infrastructure, including major bridges and roads, has been severely damaged by the earthquake, as reported by Reuters. OCHA’s Myanmar Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Marcoluigi Corsi, emphasized that “the time window for critical search and rescue is narrowing … Shelter, clean water, medicine are in short supply.” Many individuals in the affected areas have been forced to spend nights outdoors due to the lack of electricity and running water.

Multiple United Nations agencies have expressed serious concerns about the shortage of drinking water and the potential for cholera outbreaks. Julia Rees, Unicef’s Deputy Representative, stated, “It is really dire — the most immediate need is water … Water pipes and septic tanks have broken.”

The World Health Organization has indicated that hospitals are overwhelmed, medical supplies are dwindling, and shortages of water and fuel are prevalent. The UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, has classified the situation as a top-level humanitarian crisis and is mobilizing essential supplies, including plastic sheets, sleeping materials, and mosquito nets.

Response efforts face significant hindrances due to extensive damage to roads and bridges, which has delayed UNHCR teams’ travel from Yangon to Mandalay. What typically takes eight hours has increased to 13 hours. UNHCR representative Babar Baloch highlighted that “the most urgent requirements are shelter and relief items … there is also the risk of explosive ordnance – due to the last four years of active conflict.”

In conclusion, Pakistan has provided critical humanitarian assistance to Myanmar following a devastating earthquake that has resulted in thousands of casualties. The situation remains dire as infrastructure damage hampers response efforts, and essential supplies, including water and medical resources, are urgently needed. United Nations agencies continue to assess and address the escalating humanitarian crisis, highlighting the necessity for immediate support and relief for the affected populations.

Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk