ASEAN Accompanies Myanmar, Thailand to Address Earthquake’s Aftermath
ASEAN accompanies Myanmar and Thailand to address earthquake’s aftermath. It is the commitment affirmed by ASEAN Foreign Ministers during the Special Emergency ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held virtually and chaired by 2025 ASEAN Chair, Malaysia, to respond to the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28.
I n their joint statement which reflected ASEAN's unity and solidarity, the Foreign Ministers conveyed their heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to Myanmar and Thailand, especially to the victims, their families, and all others impacted by the tragedy. They underscored their strong support and solidarity with the two countries, stressing that the ASEAN family stands resolutely alongside Myanmar and Thailand in their efforts to address the earthquake's consequences.
Recognizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid, ASEAN pledged to support relief and recovery efforts through various mechanisms, including the ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEANERAT), the ASEAN Disaster Emergency Logistics System (DELSA), and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) assistance. This support will be based on the priorities set by Myanmar and Thailand.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet affirmed that Vietnam would stand side-by-side with the two countries in overcoming their current difficulties. Shortly thereafter, a 126-member rescue team from Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Public Security, led by Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Ministry of National Defense's Search and Rescue Department, and Colonel Nguyen Minh Khuong, Deputy Director of the Police Department of Fire Fighting, Fire Prevention and Rescue under the Ministry of Public Security, along with relief supplies, landed at Yangon Airport in Myanmar to join rescue and relief efforts.
Senior Lieutenant General Huynh Chien Thang, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, stated that the deployment of the Vietnam People's Army to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in Myanmar demonstrates the high responsibility of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam to the international community. It also affirms the prestige, responsibility, and capability of the Vietnam People's Army in international relations and cooperation.
In response to Myanmar's request for assistance, Vietnam has offered an emergency aid package worth 300,000 US dollars to support earthquake recovery efforts. According to the plan, the Vietnamese rescue team carries out search and rescue operations in the earthquake-affected areas. Relief supplies are also distributed to the affected population. The head of the Vietnamese delegation affirmed that the team brought with them a spirit of determination, overcoming all hardships, and were ready to undertake all tasks to assist the people and the nation of Myanmar.
In addition, Malaysia deployed an initial support team of 10 experts from the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to Yangon, Myanmar, to assess the situation and provide technical assistance. A second team of 40 personnel also arrived in Myanmar to carry out relief activities based on the identified priorities.
Furthermore, Laos, China, India, and Russia have sent support to Myanmar. The Chinese government declared its readiness to provide emergency humanitarian aid, assisting Myanmar in rescue and recovery efforts. The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized its desire to help the people of Myanmar overcome their difficulties and affirmed the strong friendship between the two countries.
The United Nations (UN) allocated five million US dollars from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support Myanmar in recovering from the 7.7 magnitude earthquake, and is further assessing relief needs and coordinating humanitarian response.
The World Health Organization (WHO) classified the earthquake in Myanmar as a top-level emergency and called for eight million US dollars in emergency aid to save lives and prevent disease outbreaks in Myanmar over the next 30 days. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS) prediction model, the death toll in Myanmar could exceed 10,000, and the property damage could surpass the country's annual economic output./.
Story: VNP Photos: VNA Translated by Hong Hanh