Pakistan Sends First Relief Shipment to Myanmar Quake Victims

Following the instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has begun sending first relief shipment aid to earthquake victims in Myanmar.

The first shipment consists of 35 tons of relief goods, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, medicines and water modules. These supplies are being sent via a special aircraft to Yangon, Myanmar.

A ceremony was held for the dispatch of aid, attended by Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, along with officials from NDMA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ambassador of Myanmar.

Read More: Myanmar Earthquake: Over 1,000 Killed, Rescue Efforts Ongoing

Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that, in line with the Prime Minister’s directives, Pakistan will send a total of 70 tons of aid to Myanmar. He reassured that Pakistan stands with the people of Myanmar during this difficult time.

A message of sympathy was also conveyed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the people affected by the earthquake.

Expressing appreciation, the Ambassador of Myanmar thanked Pakistan’s government and people for their support and recognized the country’s efforts in providing assistance. To further help the victims, an additional 35 tons of relief supplies will be sent soon as part of the second shipment.

Meanwhile, Myanmar has declared a week of national mourning starting Monday, as the death toll exceeded 2,000 and hopes of finding more survivors decreased. As part of the mourning, national flags will remain at half-mast until April 6 in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

The ruling junta has also announced a moment of silence on Tuesday at 12:51 pm, the exact time the 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck. People have been urged to pause and pay tribute, while media broadcasts will halt to display mourning symbols. Special prayers will be held in temples and pagodas across the country.