NewsBytes

Major quakes rattle countries

AP

Updated At : 07:49 PM Mar 30, 2025 IST

Myanmar quake death toll hits 1,700

The toll from Myanmar's earthquake continued to rise on Sunday, as foreign rescue teams and aid rushed into the impoverished country, where hospitals were overwhelmed and some communities scrambled to mount rescue efforts with limited resources. The 7.7-magnitude quake, one of Myanmar's strongest in a century, jolted the war-torn Southeast Asian nation on Friday, leaving around 1,700 people dead, 3,400 injured and over 300 missing as of Sunday, the military government said.

Tsunami warning lifted after 7.1 earthquake near Tonga in South Pacific

A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit near Tonga, prompting an initial tsunami warning that was later lifted for the Pacific island country.

The US Geological Survey said the quake hit about 100 kilometres northeast of the main island in the early morning hours of Monday local time. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii issued an alert saying hazardous waves could be possible but later said there was no longer a tsunami threat.

Tsunami sirens could be heard after the 1:18 am quake urging residents to move inland, according to the Talanoa o Tonga news site. There were no initial reports of damage.

Residents in the Ha'apai island group had calmly moved to higher ground, the report said.

Tonga is a country in Polynesia made up of 171 islands with a population of a little more than 100,000 people, most of whom live on the main island of Tongatapu. It is more than 3,500 kilometres off Australia's east coast.

IAF to participate in Multi-national air exercise INIOCHOS-25 in Greece

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in Exercise INIOCHOS-25, a prestigious multinational air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force. The exercise will take place at Andravida Air Base, Greece, from 31 March 2025 to 11 April 2025. The IAF contingent will include Su-30 MKI fighters along with combat enabler IL-78 & C-17 aircraft, according to the Defence Ministry.

INIOCHOS is a biennial multinational air exercise hosted by the Hellenic Air Force. It serves as a platform for air forces to hone their skills, exchange tactical knowledge, and strengthen military ties. The exercise will integrate multiple air and surface assets from fifteen countries under realistic combat scenarios, designed to simulate modern-day air warfare challenges, the ministry's statement said on Sunday.

"The IAF looks forward to participating in Exercise INIOCHOS 25, a platform to enhance international cooperation, synergy and interoperability among participating Air Forces," the statement read.

This exercise will provide an opportunity to train in planning and executing Combined Air operations, refine tactics in complex air warfare scenarios, and gain insights into operational best practices. With all operations conducted from Andravida, IAF's participation will not only strengthen its operational capabilities but also contribute to mutual learning and enhanced coordination among participating countries.

NewsBytes

AP

Myanmar quake death toll hits 1,700

Tsunami warning lifted after 7.1 earthquake near Tonga in South Pacific

Tonga is a country in Polynesia made up of 171 islands with a population of a little more than 100,000 people, most of whom live on the main island of Tongatapu. It is more than 3,500 kilometres off Australia's east coast.

IAF to participate in Multi-national air exercise INIOCHOS-25 in Greece

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