Nepal Dispatches 41 Tons of Aid to Myanmar: A Global Relief Effort
Kathmandu, April 10 -- The Nepalese government has dispatched 41 tons of aid supplies to earthquake-affected Myanmar.
Following the March 28 earthquake, the Nepalese government sent a military medical unit to Myanmar.
A meeting of senior officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday decided to provide relief materials, assigning some officials to deliver the aid to the Southeast Asian country.
Joint-Secretaries Tapas Adhikari and Surendra Yadav from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with another joint-secretary from the Home Ministry, supported by additional officials, have departed for Myanmar. Their mission includes delivering aid supplies to the Burmese authorities before returning on Thursday, as stated by foreign ministry spokesperson Krishna Prasad Dhakal.
Following the Gorkha earthquake that hit Nepal in 2015, the government of Myanmar provided assistance by sending aid materials to Kathmandu. In return, officials stated that when faced with a similar situation, Nepal plans to send relief supplies as well.
Approximately 3,600 individuals have perished since a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar. At the recent sixth summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation held in Thailand, all participating nations agreed to supply aid materials to Myanmar.
Through the Nepalese Embassy, the government of Nepal reached out regarding the urgent relief supplies needed by Myanmar. Following the requirements outlined by the military junta, the foreign ministry requested contributions from private sector organizations.
In response to the request, we have dispatched food parcels, medications, and various other supplies, stated Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba.
The aid supplies gathered by both governmental bodies and private organizations will be transferred to the Myanmar government, according to Deuba. "Our representatives in Myanmar reached out to local authorities and determined their needs," he added.
A medical team from the Nepal Army will be returning from Myanmar in two days, according to Deuba.
On April 2, the Nepalese government dispatched an army medical team to provide humanitarian aid and support.
An aircraft from the Nepal Army, identified as NA-062-CASA, which was transporting medical professionals such as doctors and nurses along with support staff including administrative personnel and six crew members, arrived at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport on Wednesday. This information comes via the Embassy of Nepal in Yangon.
Ambassador Harishchandra Ghimire of Nepal and Myanmar official U Wai Lwin welcomed the delegation headed by Lieutenant Colonel Ram Chandra Shrestha at Nya Pi Taw airport.
The army team is equipped with essential supplies and medical provisions to be deployed at hospitals in affected areas for rapid response, medical assistance, and early treatment to the victims, the embassy said.