India launches ‘Operation Sadbhav’ to help typhoon-hit Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam

India on Sunday launched “Operation Sadbhav”, sending emergency relief supplies to flood-hit Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam to aid in their recovery from the devastating effects of a powerful typhoon.
Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam are grappling with severe flooding following the landfall of Typhoon Yagi, which is being called Asia’s most powerful storm of the year. The storm has unleashed torrential rains, causing widespread damage and displacing thousands across the region.
The typhoon that originated from the South China Sea made landfall over a week back, reportedly killing over 170 people in Vietnam and around 40 in Myanmar.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed its C-17 Globemaster aircraft for urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Laos and Vietnam.
The operation was coordinated at Hindan Air Base, where the loading process was executed with precision to ensure prompt delivery of the relief materials to the affected countries, officials said.
The C-17 Globemaster, renowned for its cargo capacity and extensive range, was selected for this critical mission due to its capability to transport substantial quantities of relief materials and supplies efficiently.
To Vietnam, a 35-ton consignment was sent, encompassing vital items such as water purification equipment, containers, blankets, kitchen utensils, and solar lanterns. Meanwhile, Laos received 10 tons of urgent supplies, including generators, hygiene products, mosquito nets, blankets, and sleeping bags.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that 10 tonnes of aid including dry rations, clothing and medicines were also dispatched to Myanmar onboard the Indian naval ship INS Satpura.
“India launches #OperationSadbhav. Demonstrating our solidarity with the people affected by Typhoon Yagi, India is dispatching aid to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos,” Jaishankar said on ‘X’.
“10 tons of aid including dry ration, clothing and medicines left for Myanmar onboard @indiannavy INS Satpura today,” he said.
According to the Indian Navy, the Eastern Naval Command in coordination with Eastern Fleet and other supporting units successfully completed the overnight loading of HADR pallets including drinking water, rations and medicines onto an Indian naval warship destined from Visakhapatnam for operations in Yangon in Myanmar.
“This rapid mobilisation comes despite the short notice, showcasing the Navy’s ability to swiftly respond to humanitarian crises in the region,” Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.