Myanmar earthquake toll rises to 1,600; India rushes aid with Operation Brahma, USGS warns fatalities could top 10,000

Rescue efforts continue as many feared trapped

More than 90 people are feared trapped under the debris of a collapsed apartment block in Mandalay, a Red Cross official told AFP.

In Bangkok, hundreds remain buried under the rubble of a collapsed high-rise, including at least 50 construction workers who are still unaccounted for, the BBC reported.

So far, six fatalities have been confirmed in Thailand’s capital.

Mandalay rescue operations face challenges

Rescuers in Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city and the earthquake’s epicentre, are working at full capacity.

However, damaged roads and bridges have left many affected areas inaccessible.

A woman was pulled alive from the wreckage of a collapsed apartment building 30 hours after the quake.

India extends aid, launches relief missions

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced that India is dispatching a field hospital with 118 personnel from Agra to Mandalay.

The team is expected to land in Nay Pyi Taw later today. Additionally, Indian Navy ships INS Satpura and INS Savitri, carrying 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid, are heading to the port of Yangon.

CNN-News18 sources revealed that two more naval ships have also departed with relief supplies.

‘Operation Brahma’ delivers aid to Myanmar

As part of ‘Operation Brahma,’ India has already sent nearly 15 tonnes of relief material via the Indian Air Force.

Sources said total relief supplies delivered through air sorties and naval vessels have now exceeded 130 tonnes, with more assistance planned as required.

An 80-member National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has also been deployed to aid Myanmar’s rescue operations.

PM Modi speaks to Myanmar's military chief

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing, offering condolences and reaffirming India's commitment to supporting Myanmar.

"As a close friend and neighbour, India stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar in this difficult hour," Modi tweeted.

USGS warns Myanmar death toll could surpass 10,000

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has projected that fatalities in Myanmar could exceed 10,000.

The agency warned that the earthquake likely caused “high casualties and extensive damage.”