ABU DHABI: In response to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has swiftly dispatched a search and rescue team under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The team includes members from Abu Dhabi Police, the National Guard, and the Joint Operations Command, working to support rescue efforts in the affected areas. This urgent deployment underscores the UAE’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian aid, extending support to communities in crisis worldwide.
The UAE has consistently led emergency response efforts for disaster-stricken nations, offering assistance with resources and expertise. With Myanmar grappling with a rising death toll and widespread destruction, international aid is pouring in to alleviate the crisis.
Myanmar earthquake death toll
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday, becoming one of the most powerful to hit the country in a century. As of Sunday, authorities confirmed that at least 1,700 people have died, with 3,400 injured and more than 300 missing. The US Geological Survey predicts that the final toll could exceed 10,000, with economic losses surpassing Myanmar’s annual output.
Rescue operations continue as overwhelmed hospitals struggle to treat the injured. Many communities, lacking adequate equipment, have resorted to digging through rubble with their hands. Images from Mandalay show entire neighbourhoods flattened, while major highways, bridges, and railways have sustained extensive damage.
International aid
Several nations have mobilised relief efforts. China swiftly deployed an 82-person rescue team, followed by an additional 118-member unit, and pledged 100 million yuan ($13.8m) in aid. India, Russia, the UK, and neighbouring Southeast Asian countries have also begun sending assistance.
In contrast, the US has pledged $2m in relief, a significantly lower sum compared to other contributors. The American response comes amid ongoing restructuring at USAID, its central foreign aid agency.
Thailand also hit
The earthquake’s impact extended beyond Myanmar, with neighbouring Thailand reporting at least 18 fatalities. Rescue operations continue in Bangkok, where a 30-storey tower collapsed, trapping 78 people. Emergency workers are racing against time to locate survivors.
Back in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, the provincial fire department was reduced to rubble, destroying all its rescue equipment and leaving authorities struggling to retrieve bodies. Officials warn that without sufficient resources, the death toll could continue to climb.