UAE aids quake-hit Myanmar as death toll hits 3,354
United Nations urges global backing as destruction stuns rescue workers
ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to demonstrate its global humanitarian commitment as its search and rescue teams remain active in Myanmar following one of the strongest earthquakes the country has seen in over a century.
Teams from Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Abu Dhabi Police, the UAE National Guard, and Joint Operations Command are working tirelessly to support those affected. Operating across six quake-affected locations, the Emirati teams are rotating between morning and evening shifts to maximise outreach and speed up emergency response.
The UAE’s involvement comes in the wake of last Friday’s 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which struck a densely populated region of Myanmar, affecting over 28 million people. The death toll has now risen to 3,354, with 4,850 individuals injured and 220 still missing, according to state media reports released on Saturday.
In addition to widespread casualties, the quake has left thousands without food, clean water or shelter. Entire communities have been flattened, and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and homes, has been reduced to rubble. Relief teams are racing against time to provide basic necessities and medical attention to the displaced and injured.
United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher visited Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city located near the quake’s epicentre, and described the scale of devastation as “staggering”. Speaking from the disaster zone, he said, “Lives lost. Homes destroyed. Livelihoods shattered. But the resilience is incredible. The world must rally behind the people of Myanmar.” His call for global solidarity highlights the urgent need for sustained international support.
Global response
Several of Myanmar’s neighbours, including China, India, and countries across Southeast Asia, have dispatched relief supplies and rescue personnel to support recovery operations. The United States, previously the top humanitarian donor, has pledged at least $9 million for Myanmar’s post-quake recovery. However, concerns are growing over the diminished presence of US aid teams on the ground following reported staff cuts tied to a restructuring of the USAID programme.
UAE humanitarian team delivers emergency supplies to affected communities in Myanmar’s disaster zone.
Meanwhile, the UAE's continued on-ground presence reinforces its growing reputation for prompt disaster response. Emirati relief teams remain committed to expanding coverage in affected zones, focusing on high-impact operations that can reach survivors swiftly.