The aftermath of a deadly earthquake in Myanmar on March 29, 2025. MYANMAR RED CROSS SOCIETY

The UAE has deployed a specialized search and rescue team to Myanmar in response to the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that has claimed over 2,000 lives and left thousands more in urgent need of aid. The humanitarian mission follows the directives of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to providing swift assistance in global disaster relief efforts. The UAE’s team comprises personnel from Abu Dhabi Police, the National Guard, and the Joint Operations Command. Their mission is to support rescue operations and provide critical aid to earthquake victims in Myanmar. The initiative reflects the UAE’s longstanding dedication to humanitarian assistance worldwide. The earthquake, which struck on March 29, has devastated large parts of central Myanmar, particularly the city of Mandalay, near the epicenter. Rescue operations remain ongoing, with emergency teams from multiple countries racing against time to save those trapped under collapsed buildings. On Monday (March 31), a woman was miraculously pulled alive from the ruins of the Great Wall Hotel in Mandalay after being buried for 60 hours. The five-hour rescue operation involved Chinese, Russian, and local teams. She was reported to be in stable condition, according to the Chinese embassy. Meanwhile, neighboring Thailand is also grappling with the disaster, with emergency responders working around the clock to find survivors beneath the rubble of a collapsed skyscraper in Bangkok. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "The search will continue even after 72 hours because in Turkey, people who have been trapped for a week have survived. The search has not been canceled." The United Nations has mobilized relief efforts, estimating that at least 23,000 survivors in Myanmar urgently require aid. "Our teams in Mandalay are joining efforts to scale up the humanitarian response despite going through the trauma themselves," said Noriko Takagi, the UN refugee agency's representative in Myanmar. "Time is of the essence as Myanmar needs global solidarity and support through this immense devastation." Several countries, including India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia, have already sent relief supplies and personnel to assist in the ongoing rescue operations. The United States has pledged $2 million in humanitarian aid through Myanmar-based organizations. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page