KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) – As Myanmar reels from the devastating impact of a powerful earthquake, ASEAN has swiftly rallied to provide urgent humanitarian assistance, showcasing the region’s unity and solidarity in the face of disaster.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which struck central Myanmar on Friday, has so far claimed more than 1,600 lives, injured over 3,400 individuals, and caused widespread destruction across affected regions.
In a rapid show of support, ASEAN nations have mobilized emergency aid and relief operations, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to collective disaster response.
As Chair of ASEAN for 2025, Malaysia convened a Special Emergency ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Sunday via video conference to coordinate regional efforts. The meeting, chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, was aimed at facilitating immediate humanitarian response and demonstrating ASEAN’s deep concern for the people of Myanmar.
To further reinforce ASEAN’s solidarity, Mohamad Hasan and his Thai counterpart Maris Sanglampongsa are scheduled to conduct a humanitarian mission to Myanmar on April 5, focusing on supporting relief and recovery initiatives.
Meanwhile, the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) has activated a coordinated international relief operation to streamline aid delivery and support on the ground.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that Malaysia has pledged an initial RM10 million in humanitarian aid to assist those affected. Malaysia has also deployed two Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) aircraft carrying 50 personnel from the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), along with critical rescue equipment. The deployment is being led by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Malaysian Embassy in Yangon.
Other ASEAN countries have also stepped up:
Singapore dispatched its Civil Defence Force’s Operation Lionheart (OLH) team, an 80-member contingent led by Colonel Tay Zhi Wei, which arrived in Nay Pyi Taw on Saturday evening. The team brought Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) equipment, including life detection devices and fibre-optic scopes. The Singapore government has pledged SGD150,000 (approx. RM520,000) in urgent humanitarian aid, in addition to a matching amount pledged by the Singapore Red Cross.
Indonesia will send its INASAR (Indonesia Search and Rescue Team) to Myanmar on April 1, followed by a shipment of Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) and logistics supplies on April 3 from Jakarta’s Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. Indonesia has also pledged US$1 million worth of medicine, food, temporary shelters, and clean water systems.
Vietnam is deploying a 79-member military team comprising search and rescue specialists, military dog handlers, medical staff, and communication experts. The Vietnam People’s Army says the mission reflects the country’s commitment to international humanitarian efforts and ASEAN solidarity.
Cambodia has pledged US$100,000 in emergency aid, along with essential medical and relief supplies, as announced by Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn.
Despite dealing with its own challenges from the quake, ASEAN has proven its capacity to act decisively in the face of disaster—once again demonstrating the strength of regional cooperation and humanitarian resolve.
— BERNAMA
