Malaysia is answering the call for help. After a massive earthquake of over 7.7 magnitude rocked central Myanmar on Friday (28 Mar), the Malaysian government has confirmed that it will be sending a team from SMART to assist with rescue and relief efforts.
The earthquake has reportedly killed more than 1,000 and injured thousands more.
SMART team to the rescue
According to Harian Metro, the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) MAS-01 is scheduled to depart for Yangon, Myanmar at 8.30 am tomorrow (30 Mar) from the Subang Air Base.
As of today, the SMART team has been making final preparations, loading up essential rescue equipment and supplies needed for the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission.
Their task? To assist with search and rescue efforts and support the thousands affected by the quake.
The deployment, coordinated by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), consists of 50 personnel, one task force commander and 49 rescue members, who will focus on affected areas in central Myanmar, northern Thailand, and southern China.
Instead of sending teams in phases, Malaysia has opted to send a single, coordinated unit to boost the speed and efficiency of its aid efforts.
A 10-member technical team from NADMA flew to Yangon today to conduct a needs assessment and provide on-site support for the upcoming mission.
This team will help determine critical areas that require immediate aid and coordinate technical logistics with local authorities.
Wisma Putra said the advance group will also support the broader humanitarian efforts already underway on the ground.
Malaysia stands with ASEAN neighbours
In a statement today, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to helping its ASEAN neighbours in times of crisis.
He confirmed that the SMART team will be among the first to join international rescue efforts in the region.
The Malaysian Embassy in Yangon is also working closely with local authorities and humanitarian partners to facilitate the team’s operations once they land.
Countries lining up to help
Malaysia isn’t the only one stepping up. China Press reported that China’s rescue team from Yunnan was one of the first to arrive, bringing along drones, satellite equipment and life detectors.
Russia has deployed aircraft and personnel, and rescue teams from Taiwan, Singapore and the US are also mobilising.
At least 20 countries and regions have pledged to support Myanmar as rescue efforts continue in the wake of the devastating quake.
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