ASEAN Mobilizes Emergency Response to Myanmar Earthquake

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) convened a special emergency meeting on March 30 to address the recent earthquake in Myanmar. The meeting, conducted via video conference, brought together representatives from ASEAN member states who agreed to deploy the ASEAN Standby Arrangement. This initiative aims to mobilize the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team, enhancing the emergency response mechanism and ensuring the rapid and precise distribution of relief supplies through the ASEAN Disaster Emergency Logistics System.

The earthquake, which struck Myanmar's central region on March 28, was measured at 7.9 magnitude with a depth of 30 kilometers. The seismic activity caused significant damage and loss of life in the affected areas, with the impact felt as far as 700 kilometers away in Thailand's Bangkok. The earthquake's destructive power was attributed to several factors, including the region's active fault lines, the shallow depth of the earthquake's epicenter, and the lack of earthquake-resistant infrastructure in the area.

In response to the disaster, ASEAN member states expressed their solidarity with the affected populations in Myanmar and Thailand, pledging support and assistance in the aftermath. The meeting underscored the importance of regional cooperation in disaster management and response, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters in the region. The ASEAN Disaster Emergency Logistics System will play a crucial role in ensuring that relief supplies are delivered efficiently and effectively to those in need.

New Singapore special search and rescue team has already arrived in Myanmar to carry out search and rescue operations. Search and rescue teams and medical teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam are also expected to arrive in the coming days. The ASEAN member states agreed to deploy the ASEAN Standby Arrangement, mobilizing the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team to strengthen the emergency response mechanism. Additionally, they will utilize the ASEAN Disaster Emergency Logistics System to prepare and distribute relief supplies, ensuring they reach the affected areas quickly and accurately.

ASEAN reiterated its commitment to working closely with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to coordinate rescue efforts and ensure timely and effective humanitarian responses. This collaborative approach aims to provide comprehensive support to the affected populations and facilitate a swift recovery process.