ASEAN RALLIES BEHIND MYANMAR WITH SWIFT HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE AFTER DEVASTATING QUAKE

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) – As Myanmar grapples with the heart-wrenching aftermath of a devastating earthquake, ASEAN has stepped forward as a beacon of hope.

The bloc's rapid mobilisation of emergency assistance underscores a deep regional commitment, demonstrated through swift solidarity aimed at alleviating suffering and rebuilding lives.

The powerful 7.7-magnitude quake, which struck central Myanmar on Friday, has claimed over 1,600 lives, injured more than 3,400, and caused widespread destruction.

In response, relief efforts and humanitarian aid from neighbouring countries have been pouring in, reflecting strong and coordinated regional support for Myanmar’s disaster response.

As ASEAN’s Chair for 2025, Malaysia convened the Special Emergency ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Sunday in response to the powerful earthquake that rocked Myanmar and Thailand.

The meeting via video conference, chaired by Malaysia Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan reflects ASEAN’s unity and solidarity.

To express the bloc’s solidarity with the people of Myanmar and to coordinate humanitarian assistance, support, and facilitate relief operations, Mohamad and his Thai counterpart Maris Sangiampongsa will undertake a humanitarian visit to Myanmar on April 5.

Additionally, ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) has launched a coordinated international relief operation in Myanmar.

Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia has pledged an initial RM10 million in humanitarian aid to support the people of Myanmar affected by the devastating earthquake.

Malaysia also deployed two Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM) aircraft to Naypyidaw, carrying 50 personnel from the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) along with essential equipment to support search and rescue operations.

The deployment is led by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), with support from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy of Malaysia in Yangon.

Meanwhile, Singapore has deployed the Civil Defence Force’s (SCDF) Operation Lionheart (OLH) contingent to assist in disaster rescue efforts in Myanmar.

The 80-member team, led by Colonel Tay Zhi Wei, arrived in Naypyidaw at about 7.30 pm (Singapore time) on Saturday in response to a request for humanitarian assistance following the earthquake.

As one of the first international rescue teams to arrive, the OLH contingent will be deployed to affected zones to commence search and rescue operations at the earliest opportunity on Sunday.

“The OLH contingent is carrying an array of portable Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) equipment such as cutting, breaking, and lifting equipment, as well as life detection devices and fibre-optic scopes,” SCDF said.

Moreover, the Singapore government will contribute S$150,000 (S$1 = RM3.30) in urgent humanitarian assistance to the victims of the Myanmar earthquake, in addition to the Singapore Red Cross’ initial pledge of S$150,000 through its public fundraising campaign.

Despite dealing with its own earthquake damage — including ongoing search and rescue efforts at the site of a collapsed building under construction — Thailand has dispatched a rescue team to Myanmar to support search and rescue operations.

According to Thailand’s Foreign Ministry, the Royal Thai Armed Forces will coordinate a joint humanitarian operation with the armed forces of Malaysia and Singapore to assist those affected by the earthquake in Myanmar.

In a statement, the ministry said a total of 49 Thai military personnel departed at 7 am on Sunday for Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Yangon.

“Their mission is to coordinate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts, including search and rescue operations and the dispatch of emergency aid.

“This mission will be undertaken in parallel with our ongoing rescue operations in Thailand. We remain well-equipped to extend assistance to the people of Myanmar, in the spirit of our humanitarian tradition and the close bilateral relations between our two countries and peoples,” the ministry added.

This marks Thailand’s initial relief effort. In the next phase, the Royal Thai Government will work with relevant sectors to ensure the delivery of essential supplies—including food, medicine, medical equipment, financial aid, and other necessities—to support the people of Myanmar affected by the earthquake.

At the same time, Indonesia is also deploying a specialised urban search and rescue team, an Emergency Medical Team (EMT), and logistical support worth US$1 million to assist regions affected by the earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand. 

The aid package includes medicines, food supplies, temporary shelters, and clean water purifiers.

Response teams are currently being coordinated to meet the needs and priorities of the affected areas.

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono said the Indonesia Search and Rescue Team (INASAR) is scheduled to depart for Myanmar on April 1, while the EMT and logistical aid will be sent from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in East Jakarta on April 3.

Adding to the emergency aid, Vietnam will dispatch a 79-member military team to Myanmar to support earthquake search and rescue operations and post-disaster recovery efforts.

According to the Vietnam News Agency, the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) has prepared a deployment plan comprising specialised personnel, including command staff, communications experts, search-and-rescue specialists, military dog handlers, and medical professionals.

Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Senior Lieutenant General Huynh Chien Thang, said Vietnam’s participation underscores its commitment to international humanitarian efforts and reflects the Vietnam People’s Army's responsibility and capability in global cooperation.

Cambodia has also pledged support. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn announced on Sunday that the government will allocate US$100,000 as initial emergency aid to Myanmar.

 It will also contribute to regional relief efforts by providing medical and other essential supplies, the ministry said in a statement.

-- BERNAMA