Seremban, March 29, 2025 – The Europe Today: The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will dispatch an initial team of 10 personnel to assist in search and rescue (SAR) operations following the powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan confirmed that the team is scheduled to arrive in Yangon at approximately 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 29.
“This team will carry out assessment on the ground and then report to another team that will be arriving later with the necessary equipment,” he stated, adding that Nadma has been coordinating with the Myanmar Embassy in Kuala Lumpur to facilitate the mission.
Meanwhile, Mohamad emphasized that ASEAN member states are working together to ensure a coordinated humanitarian response, providing relief efforts and disaster assistance to the affected regions of Myanmar and northern Thailand. These efforts will be supported by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
“ASEAN extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the people of Myanmar and northern Thailand following the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28,” he said.
He further underscored the urgent need for humanitarian aid and reaffirmed ASEAN’s solidarity with the families and communities impacted by the disaster. The earthquake has caused significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction, particularly in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and surrounding areas.
ASEAN remains prepared to support relief and recovery operations based on the priorities identified by Myanmar and Thailand.
Additionally, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced that the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) has been mobilized to join SAR operations in the most severely affected areas of Myanmar. According to Bernama, the SMART team is set to arrive in Yangon around 1 PM today.
“At the same time, humanitarian aid to Thailand is also being coordinated and will be mobilized soon,” said Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee.
With ASEAN and Malaysia’s swift response, international collaboration is expected to enhance disaster relief efforts and provide critical aid to those affected by the devastating earthquake.
