Vietnamese Military Rescue Team Achieves Major Success in Myanmar Earthquake Relief Efforts

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: An 80-member Vietnamese military rescue team, deployed to Myanmar following the recent earthquake, has made remarkable strides in recovery efforts, successfully recovering 21 bodies and rescuing one individual despite challenging conditions.

The team, sent by Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence on March 30, travelled over 500 kilometers by road from Yangon to Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital. Upon arrival, the team immediately coordinated with local authorities to identify critical search areas. Major General Phạm Văn Tỵ, the team leader, confirmed that the rescue operation focused on three key sites in Naypyidaw: the Bala Tidi apartment complex, Ottara Thiri Hospital, and the Aye Chan Thar Hotel.

Equipped with search dogs and specialised equipment, the team identified 32 potential locations where victims were trapped. Their determined efforts led to the recovery of 21 bodies, some of which were heavily decomposed or submerged in water, adding further complexity to the operation.

In a notable achievement, the Vietnamese team collaborated with rescue teams from Myanmar and Turkey to successfully pull a 26-year-old man alive from the rubble. The team also recovered valuable assets worth hundreds of thousands of US dollars, which were returned to Ottara Thiri Hospital and local individuals.

Operating in temperatures exceeding 40°C, the search environment posed severe challenges, including the risk of collapsed structures and unsanitary conditions. Despite these obstacles, Myanmar authorities praised the Vietnamese team for their exceptional contribution, noting that the Vietnamese team had recovered the highest number of bodies and conducted the most meaningful rescue activities among all foreign teams in Naypyidaw.

In addition to search and rescue efforts, the team engaged in humanitarian activities, delivering 40 tonnes of dry food, tents, and $5,000 in financial aid to the victims’ families. The team also provided free medical check-ups and distributed medicine to over 200 local residents, as Naypyidaw’s hospitals were severely damaged and facing supply shortages.

The mission not only contributed significantly to the relief efforts but also strengthened international cooperation. The Vietnamese team shared their expertise with teams from Myanmar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual support.

Vietnam’s deployment has been widely praised as a demonstration of international solidarity, reflecting the country’s long-standing traditions of humanitarian assistance and the esteemed reputation of its military. This mission holds great significance for Vietnam-Myanmar relations, providing vital support during a challenging period.

Myanmar authorities and international rescue teams commended the professionalism, expertise, and courage of the Vietnamese personnel, particularly in handling complex cases that other teams had been unable to resolve.

Major General Tỵ emphasized the invaluable experience gained through the mission and recommended that it be documented to benefit future international deployments in multinational settings.

The mission received strong support from Việt Nam’s Central Military Commission, Ministry of National Defence, and other relevant agencies, as well as assistance from the Vietnamese Embassy, Defence Attaché, and the Vietnamese telecom group Viettel’s joint venture, Mytel, in Myanmar.

The Vietnamese team, in good health and high spirits, expressed pride in their meaningful contribution to alleviating the suffering of the Myanmar people and reported being warmly welcomed by local communities who offered water and heartfelt gratitude.

Minister of National Defence, General Phan Văn Giang, commended the team’s efforts in a letter, encouraging further dedication. The mission command has proposed recognising the exceptional contributions of participating units and individuals with appropriate awards.