In response to the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar, resulting in over 1,000 confirmed deaths and widespread destruction, the Philippine government is urgently mobilizing humanitarian assistance. The earthquake’s tremors were felt as far away as China and Thailand, where Bangkok has reported six fatalities, 26 injuries, and 47 people missing.
To address this crisis, a critical inter-agency meeting was convened to coordinate the Philippine response and ensure immediate support for affected communities.
To address this crisis, a critical inter-agency meeting was convened to coordinate the Philippine response and ensure immediate support for affected communities.
Urgent Government Response
Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman, Gilberto Teodoro, Jr., conveyed his condolences, stating, “We stand in solidarity with Myanmar during this difficult time. The Philippines is ready to respond to the urgent needs of our neighbors, and we are mobilizing resources to provide assistance as quickly as possible.”
Office of Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno echoed these sentiments, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Myanmar. The Office of Civil Defense, along with other government agencies, is committed to assisting Myanmar, drawing from our experience in providing immediate aid during the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.”
Humanitarian Needs and Logistical Preparations
The Myanmar government has requested urgent assistance, including emergency search and rescue teams (with K9 or SAR dogs), medical assistance teams, medicines, medical equipment, emergency first aid kits, mobile generators, water sanitation kits, solar-powered lights, and temporary shelters such as tents and tarpaulin sheets. For Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, Nay Pyi Taw Airport will serve as the primary entry point, while Yangon Airport may be utilized as a refueling site for aircraft.
The Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) from the Department of Health is on standby, consisting of 31 personnel. In addition, one light Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team each from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Apex Mining Corporation/First Gen-Energy Development Corporation (EDC) SRR Teams will total 80 personnel. This brings the total to 114 personnel, which includes two personnel from the Office of Civil Defense and Contingent Commander LTC Erwin Diploma of the Philippine Air Force. Apart from this, there are three additional members of the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) requested by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) to travel to Myanmar no later than March 30, 2025.
The Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) from the Department of Health is on standby, consisting of 31 personnel. In addition, one light Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team each from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Apex Mining Corporation/First Gen-Energy Development Corporation (EDC) SRR Teams will total 80 personnel. This brings the total to 114 personnel, which includes two personnel from the Office of Civil Defense and Contingent Commander LTC Erwin Diploma of the Philippine Air Force. Apart from this, there are three additional members of the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) requested by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) to travel to Myanmar no later than March 30, 2025.
Deployment Timeline
The tentative travel date for the deployment is set for April 1, 2025, with a duration of two weeks. The Philippine government is steadfast in its commitment to providing assistance and support to those affected by this devastating crisis in Myanmar.
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