PM Modi Says Govt Ready To Help After Myanmar Earthquakes; Indian Embassy In Thailand Launches Helpline

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “Concerned by the situation in the wake of the Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Praying for the safety and well-being of everyone. India stands ready to offer all possible assistance. In this regard, asked our authorities to be on standby. Also asked the MEA to remain in touch with the Governments of Myanmar and Thailand."

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Thailand issued an emergency helpline number for Indian citizens as two back-to-back earthquakes rocked Myanmar, with strong tremors in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok.

“After powerful earthquake tremors recorded in Bangkok and in other parts of Thailand, the Embassy is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Thai authorities. So far, no untoward incident involving any Indian citizen has been reported," the Embassy said.

“In case of any emergency, Indian nationals in Thailand are advised to contact the emergency number +66 618819218. All members of the Indian Embassy in Bangkok and Consulate in Chiang Mai are safe," it added.

MEA Issues Statement

Speaking on the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake, Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said that the Indian authorities are in touch with their counterparts in Bangkok. He further added that the natural disaster would not impact the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.

PM Modi will visit Thailand to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit and for an official visit to Thailand from April 3 to 4. This will be the Prime Minister’s third visit to Thailand.

“We are analysing reports related to damage primarily in Myanmar. We are in touch with authorities in the country. We have always been a first responder in terms of assistance. By later today, we will have more update on the assistance we will be providing," Mazumdar said.

“The BIMSTEC region is prone to extreme weather events and natural disasters. Its relevance can be seen today in the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. Collaboration in disaster management and between our disaster management authorities through HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) exercises, has been a priority area for India," he added.

Earthquakes Rock Myanmar And Thailand

A massive 7.7 magnitude earthquake, and an aftershock of 6.8 magnitude, struck central Myanmar on Friday at around 12.50 pm (local time). Several people are reportedly killed following the collapse of buildings in Myanmar due to the strong effect of the earthquake.

Tremors were felt as far away as northern Thailand, where some metro and rail services were suspended in Bangkok. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is holding an “urgent meeting" to review the crisis and declared an emergency in the capital city.

Reports indicate that 55 people lost their lives in the earthquakes in Myanmar, while four fatalities were reported in Thailand. Several others are injured or missing, the report added.