Myanmar earthquake: Bangladesh Navy ship departs from Chattogram with relief and humanitarian aid

In response to the recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar, Bangladesh Navy Ship "BNS Somudra Avijan" departed from Chattogram Port today (8 April), carrying humanitarian aid, emergency medical supplies, and other relief materials.

The ship, under the command of Captain Mohammad Arif Hossain, is transporting approximately 120 metric tonnes of aid to Myanmar, according to an ISPR press release.

Before the departure, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan inspected the preparations and provided necessary guidance to the armed forces personnel onboard.

The ship is expected to reach Yangon Port, Myanmar, on 11 April, where the relief materials will be officially handed over to representatives of the Myanmar government on behalf of Bangladesh.

This humanitarian mission is being carried out under the directives of the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, with overall supervision and support from the Armed Forces Division.

The 120 metric tonnes of relief materials were collected in coordination with the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the Armed Forces, the Army Welfare Trust, and the Red Crescent Society. The aid package includes 77 metric tonnes of dry food, over nine tonnes of tents and clothing, 29 metric tonnes of drinking water, four metric tonnes of hygiene kits, and approximately one tonne of essential medicines.

This vital assistance is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring food security and healthcare for the earthquake-affected people of Myanmar and will help alleviate their suffering.

It is worth noting that following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on 28 March, the Government of Bangladesh had earlier dispatched 31.5 metric tonnes of relief materials along with rescue and medical teams in two phases using military and air force transport aircraft.

Also, following the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, a specialised rescue and medical support team from the Bangladesh Armed Forces under the directives of the chief adviser has been operating in Naypyidaw since 1 April, providing crucial relief and medical assistance.

Till now the official death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar stands at 3,564 as of Monday (7 April).