Hanoi (VNA) – Countries across the region and the world on March 30 swiftly launched emergency assistance measures for Myanmar following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that claimed more than 1,700 lives and left hundreds injured or missing.
In an emergency virtual meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers on disaster relief efforts for Myanmar, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn announced an initial emergency aid package of 100,000 USD for the country.
Vietnam dispatched an 80-member task force equipped with essential supplies, medical aid, six rescue dogs, and 60 tonnes of goods to assist Myanmar.
Singapore also deployed an 80-member rescue team, including specialists in emergency response, medical aid, search and rescue, and hazardous materials management. Malaysia announced a plan to send a 50-member humanitarian and disaster relief team, while the Philippines is set to dispatch a group of 114 personnel, comprising medical staff, firefighters, and armed forces members, to Myanmar on April 1.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar announced that in addition to an initial aid flight already in Myanmar, the country is sending four more relief planes carrying personnel and equipment, along with two naval ships for further support. Russia has also dispatched three aircraft loaded with rescue teams, medical staff, and a mobile hospital.
Hong Kong (China) sent a 51-member rescue team carrying nine tonnes of equipment to Myanmar and pledged 30 million HKD (approximately 3.8 million USD) in emergency aid.
Several other nations have also announced financial support for Myanmar. The Republic of Korea pledged 2 million USD in humanitarian aid, while New Zealand committed 1.14 million USD for emergency response. The EU allocated an initial 2.5 million EUR in emergency assistance and is assessing additional needs for further support.
In a statement on March 30, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched an urgent appeal to raise over 100 million USD to support the earthquake victims, with funds allocated for both immediate relief efforts and early recovery over the next 24 months./.
Vietnam sends 26 police officers to Myanmar for earthquake relief efforts
A 26-member emergency response team from the Ministry of Public Security led by Colonel Nguyen Minh Khuong, Deputy Director of the Police Department of Fire Fighting, Fire Prevention and Rescue (C07) will arrive in Myanmar on March 30 night for earthquake relief efforts.
