Ceasefire Announced for Earthquake Relief
On Saturday, Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government, which leads the resistance against the ruling military, announced a unilateral partial ceasefire to facilitate earthquake relief efforts. The country’s death toll from the disaster rose to 1,644 by Sunday (March 30, 2025). Residents of Mandalay desperately searched through collapsed buildings for survivors as aftershocks continued to rattle the already devastated city. This number showed a sharp increase from the 1,002 fatalities reported just hours earlier, reflecting the difficulty in confirming casualties across a widespread region. The death toll is expected to keep rising as the 7.7 magnitude earthquake’s effects are still being felt.
Casualties and Damage in Myanmar
As of Sunday, the number of injured people in Myanmar increased to 3,408, with 139 people still missing. The scale of the devastation is significant, and the numbers are expected to keep rising as rescue operations continue.
Impact in Neighboring Thailand
In neighboring Thailand, the death toll reached 17 on Sunday, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority. Authorities reported that 32 people were injured, and 83 people were still missing, most of them from a collapsed 30-story tower under construction in Bangkok.
Chinese Nationals Affected
Chinese state media reported that at least 12 Chinese citizens were confirmed to be injured in Myanmar as a result of the earthquake.
India’s Response – Operation Brahma
Spoke with Senior General H.E. Min Aung Hlaing of Myanmar. Conveyed our deep condolences at the loss of lives in the devastating earthquake. As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour. Disaster relief material,…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 29, 2025
In response to the disaster, India deployed a specialized Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) team to Myanmar under “Operation Brahma.” A 118-member team, consisting of medical and communication units, landed at Naypyitaw International Airport in Myanmar. The operation is led by the Commander of the 50 (I) Para Brigade of the Indian Army. After unloading critical supplies, the team moved to a harbor area about 45 minutes from the airport. A reconnaissance party was then sent to Mandalay, 160 miles to the north, as Mandalay became the primary operational hub. The full team is set to move there shortly. Aerial deployment remains the primary strategy, but road-based deployment is also being considered to set up the operation center.
Magnitude of the Earthquake
The earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday released energy equivalent to 334 atomic bombs, according to American geologist Jess Phoenix. She explained that the force of the 7.7 magnitude quake was about the same as 334 atomic bombs. Phoenix warned that aftershocks could continue for months, as the Indian tectonic plate continues to collide with the Eurasian plate beneath Myanmar. She also highlighted that the ongoing civil war in Myanmar and the communication blackout are obstructing the full understanding of the disaster’s extent.
Myanmar’s Political Situation
Myanmar is currently under the control of a military junta that took power in a coup in February 2021. The junta leader has called for help from any country to assist with disaster relief.
India’s Aid to Myanmar
India has responded by sending essential supplies to Myanmar, including blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, sleeping bags, solar lamps, food packets, and kitchen sets. India has also deployed a search and rescue team and a medical unit to assist in relief efforts under “Operation Brahma.” The earthquake was also felt in neighboring Thailand, where at least 17 people have died, including in the capital, Bangkok.
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