ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has sent the first shipment of relief goods on Tuesday to Myanmar to help those affected by a powerful earthquake.
A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar on Friday, causing massive destruction and killing more than 2,700 people. Many roads are blocked due to debris and landslides, making rescue operations difficult. Power and communication systems are down, and people urgently need food, water, and medical aid.
In the Thai capital, a 30-storey building under construction collapsed, trapping 43 workers, police and medics said.
The massive building intended for government offices was reduced to a tangle of rubble and twisted metal in seconds, footage shared on social media showed. Emergency response teams are assessing the affected areas to determine the full impact of the quake.
Following the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a cargo flight carrying 35 tonnes of relief supplies took off from Islamabad on Tuesday. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry was present at the airport to see off the flight.
The aid package includes 565 tents, 210 tarpaulins, 2,000 blankets, water modules, ready-to-eat food, and medicines. The supplies will be handed over to Myanmar authorities at Yangon Airport.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, sending prayers and support to the affected families.
The government of United Kingdom (UK) announced £10 million support to help the people of Myanmar following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
According to UK, it will increase support in the hardest hit areas of the earthquake and geared towards food and water supplies, medicine, and shelter.
