Myanmar was recently affected by Cyclone Mocha –– a category 5 cyclone –– on May 14. More than 100 people have been confirmed dead after the region was hit by the strongest cyclone Myanmar has seen in the past 10 years. India on May 18 launched ‘Operation Karuna’ to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Myanmar who have been impacted by the cyclone.
India’s efforts in Myanmar are a testament to New Delhi’s commitment to its neighbours and the region, as it is the first responder to any disasters that plague its partners. The Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) material was handed over to the Yangon Region Chief Minister by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar.
Under Operation Karuna, three Indian naval ships, INS Shivalik, INS Kamorta and INS Savitri have reached Yangon with more than 40 tonnes of relief material. EAM Jaishankar tweeted, “The ships are carrying emergency food items, tents, essential medicines, water pumps, portable generators, clothes, sanitary and hygiene items, etc. India continues to be the first responder in the region.”