UAE rescue mission honoured for life-saving efforts in earthquake-hit Myanmar (VIDEO)
Death toll exceeds 3,500 as storms hinder rescue and more rain looms
DUBAI: As Myanmar continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay, its second-largest city, the death toll has officially climbed to 3,564.
In the midst of tragedy, the United Arab Emirates’ Search and Rescue (SAR) Team has been formally recognised for their rapid and critical response in the disaster-stricken zones.
The Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, during a ceremony held in Naypyidaw, honoured the UAE SAR Team for its exemplary humanitarian contributions. The Minister of Social Welfare, along with the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, praised the swift deployment and effective fieldwork carried out by the Emirati personnel, crediting them with saving lives and reducing suffering in the severely affected regions.
Recognition ceremony
Colonel Muzaffar Mohammed Al Amri, Commander of the UAE SAR Team, and Lieutenant Colonel Hamad Mohammed Al Kaabi, Deputy Commander, received formal commendations for their leadership and the team's coordinated efforts. Both officers were honoured for their professional excellence, operational collaboration with local and international teams, and dedication in high-risk environments.
The ceremony also served as a platform to review operational outcomes and mark the official cessation of immediate field operations following the completion of the emergency response phase. Teams from Vietnam, Singapore, and France participated in commemorative exchanges, alongside discussions focused on enhancing future disaster preparedness through shared experience and coordination.
Myanmar earthquake devastation
According to Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesperson for Myanmar’s military government, 5,012 individuals have been reported injured, with 210 still missing as of Sunday. The earthquake affected six regions and states, including Naypyidaw, and left widespread devastation in its wake.
Communications have been disrupted across many affected areas, with electricity, phone lines, and mobile networks rendered inoperable. Roads and bridges have suffered considerable damage, impeding ongoing search operations and aid distribution.
State broadcaster MRTV warned of continued adverse weather throughout the week, urging citizens to brace for more thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible landslides. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius midweek, complicating recovery efforts.
Weather hampers search efforts
Rescue workers on the ground reported significant difficulties over the weekend due to severe weather. Torrential rain forced teams to temporarily suspend the use of electrical equipment critical for locating survivors. Despite this, operations continue under hazardous conditions, according to members of the Myanmar Rescue Federation in Mandalay.
The already dire situation was worsened when heavy winds and rainfall led to additional structural collapses. In Mandalay, at least 80 bodies were reportedly recovered from the ruins of the Great Wall Hotel, as per The Irrawaddy, a Myanmar news outlet operating in exile. While the report awaits independent confirmation, the scale of destruction is evident.
Widespread structural loss
In an official statement, the Myanmar Fire Services Department announced that five bodies were retrieved from collapsed buildings in Mandalay on Sunday.
The government also released comprehensive data on infrastructure damage caused by the earthquake:
- 5,223 buildings
- 1,824 schools
- 2,752 Buddhist monastic residences
- 4,817 pagodas and temples
- 167 hospitals and clinics
- 169 bridges
- 198 dams
- 184 highway sections
UAE’s global humanitarian role
The UAE’s intervention was carried out under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The decision to dispatch the SAR team to Myanmar highlights the country’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian assistance, particularly in the wake of natural disasters.
Colonel Al Amri reflected on the recognition as a testament to the team’s high readiness and international trust in their expertise. Lieutenant Colonel Al Kaabi echoed this sentiment, underlining the UAE’s consistent dedication to global humanitarian missions guided by its leadership’s vision.
The UAE SAR Team’s presence in Myanmar not only delivered critical support to a nation in distress but also reinforced the Emirates’ role as a dependable partner in emergency relief efforts worldwide.
As Myanmar continues to recover, international teams remain on alert, ready to provide continued support in the days to come.