HCMC – Vietnamese rescuers are set to commence search and rescue operations in Myanmar’s earthquake-affected areas today, March 31, while relief supplies will be distributed to communities in need.
The 106-member rescue team from Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Public Security arrived in Myanmar on the afternoon of March 30 to support earthquake relief efforts.
To help Myanmar overcome the aftermath of the earthquake, Vietnam has decided to provide emergency relief supplies at Myanmar’s request. Additionally, Vietnam has offered US$300,000 in aid to support the country’s recovery efforts.
Major General Pham Van Ty stressed that this is an elite force, which has been well-trained and thoroughly prepared, and has had experience tested domestically and internationally through specific missions.
The rescuers previously participated in humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions in Turkey in 2023, gaining extensive hands-on experience. They have also handled situations within the country and in neighboring countries, such as Laos and Cambodia.
Earlier, upon hearing the news of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, along with the Vietnam-Myanmar Friendship Association, sent messages of sympathy to the people of Myanmar.
On the afternoon of March 30, Myanmar’s military authorities reported that around 1,700 people had died following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit the country two days earlier.
However, the actual death toll might be higher. A preliminary simulation conducted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that the number of fatalities could exceed 10,000.
