Hanoi (VNA) - Japan will dispatch a team of medical personnel to Myanmar to provide emergency assistance in response to the devastating earthquake that struck the Southeast Asian nation last week.
Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi on April 1 said the 32-member group is set to leave Tokyo on early April 2.
Previously, the government has sent 240 waterproof sheets and 450 tents to stricken areas after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit the central part of Myanmar.
It is also preparing to swiftly provide hygiene products, water, water purifiers and other supplies through the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the United Nations.
Iwaya said the government will continue to provide as much humanitarian assistance as possible to help people in Myanmar.
The same day, The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it is preparing a 3-million-USD grant to support the emergency and humanitarian needs of the people of Myanmar affected by the earthquake.
The grant will be provided through the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to meet immediate needs through the distribution of in-kind food and multi-purpose cash assistance to purchase essential items, such as drinking water, medical supplies, and shelter.
The grant will come from the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, which provides fast-tracked grants to ADB's developing members for life-saving purposes in the immediate aftermath of major disasters triggered by natural hazards.
Meanwhile, the National Alms Agency (Baznas) of Indonesia is sending humanitarian aid to earthquake victims in Myanmar.
The first aid shipment prepared by Baznas includes 100 generators, 50 tents, 10,000 sarongs, and 5,000 packages each of women's essentials and children's necessities. The volume of aid sent will continue to increase periodically according to the needs at the disaster location.
Baznas plans to send toys from the sponsors to offer psychological relief to children affected by the disaster. The Baznas medical team is also participating in this mission by bringing medicines and health workers to help victims who need treatment.
Previously, Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence has dispatched 12 tonnes of humanitarian aid via a Hercules aircraft to support earthquake victims in Myanmar. To support the relief efforts, the ministry has deployed 39 personnel, including pilots and special forces members. Their mission includes providing medical treatment, establishing refugee shelters, and searching for missing victims./.
