Mizzima
In keeping with its tradition of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam, India as the first responder to natural disasters in the region started Operation Karuna on 18 May to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) materials for the people of Myanmar affected by Cyclone Mocha, according to a press release from the Indian Embassy 19 May.
Three ships INS Shivalik, INS Kamorta and INS Savitri brought around 40 tonnes of materials on 18 May 2023. The fourth ship INS Gharial brought additional materials, mostly medicines and medical items on 19 May 2023.
The first lot of consignment of HADR materials were handed over by Ambassador Shri Vinay Kumar to Soe Thein Chief Minister, Yangon Region on 18 May 2023 in the presence of Bo Htay, Mayor of Yangon, Major General Zaw Hein, Yangon Regional Commander Rear Admiral Naing Min Kyaw, Commander, Naval Training Command, Commodore Kyaw Lin Zaw, Deputy Commander, Central Naval Command and Captain Thet Win Hlaing, Commander, No 1 Fleet.
The relief materials carried by the 4 (four) ships have 14 (fourteen) pallets of essential items of use (edible and non-edible) and 16 (sixteen) medical pallets. INS Gharial also contains portable medical container facility with the capacity for 120 bedded hospital. The medical pallets contain first aid items, antibiotics, anti-histamines, analgesics, intravenous fluids for commonly spread infections and diseases.
The food items handed over are instant noodles, rice, milk powder, drinking water, ready-to-eat meals, high energy biscuits, Multi Micronutrient Food, cooking oil, sugar, canned fish, canned meat, tea, salt, spices, etc.
Among the non-food items are tarpaulin, tents, bleaching powder, disinfectant fluid, soaps, detergent powder, hygiene kits, dignity kits, crutches, wheel chairs, chain saw, divator sets, towels, shirts, blankets, sandals, fuel tanks, solar lamps, portable generators, water pumps, etc.
All HADR materials were immediately airlifted for the Rakhine State and would be distributed among the affected communities.
India stands ready to extend further support under Operation Karuna as may be required for relief and rehabilitation of the people affected by the cyclone, the statement said.
