The Malaysian Special Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) has officially announced that they have begun rescue operations on March 31 in Sagaing city, which was severely damaged by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake. The Malaysian team arrived in Myanmar on March 30 and reached the Sagaing region within 24 hours to commence their rescue efforts in areas near the earthquake’s epicenter where significant destruction occurred.
Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) initially deployed an advance team of 10 members to conduct preliminary assessments, focusing on technical support requirements and operational needs assessment in Myanmar. This was followed by the arrival of a second contingent comprising 40 team members on March 30, allowing for an intensification of rescue operations. The combined teams are now fully engaged in search and rescue efforts, working to locate and assist those who remain trapped in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake.
Currently, rescue teams from multiple nations are collaborating to assist with the earthquake disaster response in Myanmar. Emergency response units from Singapore, China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand are actively participating in the rescue operations. These international teams are working diligently to rescue trapped individuals, provide emergency medical treatment, and deliver essential aid to those affected in the Sagaing region. The coordinated international response demonstrates the regional solidarity in addressing this natural disaster, with each country contributing specialized expertise and resources to support the rescue and recovery efforts.
