Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 30th March 2025, 10:10 AM
BANGKOK, 30 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – A devastating earthquake has claimed over 1,600 lives in Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand, leaving behind widespread destruction. In response, an international relief effort is gathering momentum, with multiple countries and global organisations stepping in to provide critical assistance.
An 82-member rescue team was deployed to Myanmar on Saturday, according to China’s Emergency Management Ministry.
A separate team from China’s Yunnan province arrived in Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial hub.
The Chinese government pledged 100 million yuan (£10.8 million) in emergency humanitarian aid, with shipments beginning on Monday.
Sent a 51-member search and rescue team, along with two sniffer dogs.
Dispatched nine tonnes of essential equipment, including life detectors.
An initial aid flight landed in Myanmar on Saturday carrying hygiene kits, blankets, and food supplies.
Four additional aircraft are scheduled to deliver a field hospital, medical teams, and search-and-rescue personnel.
Two naval ships are also being deployed for further assistance.
Mobilised resources from its logistics hub in Dubai, prioritising trauma injury supplies.
Activated emergency response protocols, calling the situation a “major health crisis.”
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is coordinating emergency relief.
Warned of a severe shortage of medical supplies, including trauma kits, anaesthetics, and tents for health workers.
US President Donald Trump assured support, stating, “It’s a real bad one, and we will be helping.”
US humanitarian agencies are preparing financial and logistical support.
Announced an initial emergency aid package of €2.5 million (£2.1 million).
Conducting assessments to determine further support.
Committed €6 million (£5.1 million) in relief funds.
Half of the aid will go to Red Cross initiatives, with the remainder allocated to UN relief agencies.
Deployed a 50-member disaster response team to assist in Myanmar.
ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) has pledged to assist both Myanmar and Thailand.
A 114-member contingent, including medical personnel, firefighters, and military personnel, is set to deploy by Tuesday.
Pledged $2 million (£1.6 million) in humanitarian relief.
Stated that the aid aims to “save lives and alleviate suffering.”
Contributed NZ$2 million (£950,000) to the International Red Cross.
Expressed condolences to those affected.
The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, has caused massive infrastructure damage, including collapsed buildings, destroyed bridges, and disrupted transport networks. Rescue operations are hampered by ongoing civil conflict, particularly in Myanmar, where the military junta remains in a protracted battle with opposition forces.
Despite these challenges, global relief efforts are intensifying, with nations and humanitarian organisations working to ensure the swift delivery of aid. The coming days will be crucial in determining the extent of international intervention and the prospects for recovery in the affected regions.
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