A powerful earthquake that struck war-torn Myanmar and neighboring Thailand has killed more than 1,000 people and caused widespread damage. Financial relief, aid, and physical assistance continue to arrive from the international community to the earthquake-affected areas. Aid groups that reached the scene of the earthquake in Myanmar have reported that thousands of people may have been killed.
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it is mobilizing its center in Dubai to prepare post-earthquake trauma injury materials and has accelerated its emergency management response. Spokesperson Margaret Harris said that the earthquake response is being coordinated from the headquarters in Geneva, adding, “We are viewing this as a major incident.”
China
Beijing’s Ministry of Emergency Management said on Saturday it had sent an 82-person rescue team to Myanmar. A separate rescue team from Yunnan, China, arrived in Myanmar’s commercial hub Yangon on Saturday, CCTV reported.
The Chinese government has also announced that it will provide 100 million yuan (US$13.8 million) in emergency humanitarian assistance to Myanmar.
India
An Indian aid plane landed in Myanmar on Saturday. Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar informed that a C-130 military transport aircraft has been sent with hygiene kits, blankets, food parcels and other essential supplies.
He said, “The flight carrying the aid also includes a search and rescue team and a medical team.” He also mentioned that he would continue to monitor developments and that additional assistance would be sent.
America
US President Donald Trump has said that he will provide assistance to residents of the affected areas in Myanmar following the earthquake. “This has been a terrible natural disaster,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “This is a truly devastating disaster. We will help. We have spoken to the affected countries.”
South Korea
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said it would send $2 million in humanitarian aid “to assist with immediate rescue and relief efforts” following the earthquake.
“The Korean government hopes that its assistance will help save lives and alleviate suffering in the affected areas,” the ministry said in a statement. Seoul also said it may send additional assistance after assessing the situation and consulting with the affected countries.
Iran
Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday sent Tehran’s condolences to the people and governments of Myanmar and Thailand and said it was ready to assist in humanitarian efforts. “A statement signed by Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bakai ‘declared Iran’s readiness to assist in the relief and rescue process’.”
Malaysia
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry has stated that it will also send a team to Myanmar. According to the ministry, 49 trained rescue workers, including a commander, will assist in the ongoing humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
Foreign Minister Mohammad Hassan said that ASEAN, the Southeast Asian grouping of which Myanmar and Thailand are members, is ready to assist both countries.
Indonesia
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has expressed condolences to Myanmar and Thailand and offered assistance. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of both countries at this difficult time,” he wrote. “Indonesia stands ready to provide all necessary assistance for relief efforts in the affected areas.”
