IN Myanmar, on the afternoon of 28 March, a powerful earthquake struck, causing numerous casualties and significant damage to homes and buildings in Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, and Bago regions, as well as Nay Pyi Taw Council Area and northeastern Shan State. The National Disaster Management Committee declared the affected areas as an emergency zone.
As the government has announced its plans to open all channels to seek aid for earthquake victims, foreign countries and international organizations provide aid for Myanmar one after another while conducting search and rescue operations.
Rescue teams from India, Singapore, Russia, China, Thailand, Vietnam as well as Malaysia in addition to international organizations such as ICRC have already arrived in Myanmar to serve search and rescue operations in the earthquake-affected areas. Moreover, humanitarian aid from foreign countries and donor organizations arrived in Myanmar with readiness to distribute relief supplies to the victims.
Meanwhile, the government manages prompt investigation over loss and damage in the affected areas and evacuation of victims from the damaged and collapsed buildings caused by the severe earthquake. Furthermore, efforts are being made to invite and engage domestic and international donors to provide necessary assistance for disaster relief and humanitarian aid. In this regard, the Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held a phone conversation on 29 March with Indian Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi to discuss the prevailing situation and possible assistance.
Moreover, the Senior General also made phone contact with ASEAN Alternate Chair Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Haji Anwar bin Ibrahim on 30 March to seek aid for loss and damage in Myanmar triggered by a powerful earthquake. Thanks to positive attitudes, both foreign leaders willingly pledged to provide necessary aid for the severe impacts of the powerful earthquake in Myanmar. Notably, only true friends are those who can fully understand and offer compassionate support during difficult times.
The government is swiftly investigating and assessing the casualties, injuries, and missing persons in the earthquake-affected areas while simultaneously carrying out timely rescue and relief operations. Currently, rescue teams, doctors, and medical support staff from China, India, Russia, Singapore, Bangladesh, and Vietnam along with humanitarian aid supplies, medicines, food, and essential items, are joining the search, rescue, and care of the affected people. So, Myanmar people will never forget their good neighbourliness and ASEAN spirit at an important time to ease the tension of the earthquake in Myanmar.
