Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar – As of April 4, 2025, the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) is actively engaged in rescue and medical operations in response to the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. The 89-member team arrived in the country on April 1 and 2 to provide crucial support to affected communities.
On April 4, at 7:30 AM, Contingent Commander Lt. Col. Erwen Diploma, PAF, visited the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team at the Jade City Hotel site, where teams from the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Indonesia are collaborating to locate potential victims trapped in the rubble.
The PEMAT Type 1 Fixed Hospital, located near Bomingaung Temple, officially began operations on April 4, providing free check-ups and medicines, and was launched with representatives from the Myanmar Ministry of Health and Ministry of Information present. The hospital has already seen significant demand for medical services, with a queue forming shortly after it opened.
On April 3, from 6 AM to 6 PM, the second augmentation team at Lewe Township Hospital conducted 17 medical consultations, including six cases of general medicine, six surgical cases, four orthopedic cases, and one obstetric case. Four cases were indirectly related to the earthquake, while the remainder were unrelated.
Starting at 8 AM on April 3 and continuing until 5 AM on April 4, the PEMAT Type 1 Fixed Field Hospital began operations in Pyinmana, delivering comprehensive medical and public health services. On its first day, the hospital received 94 patients, including 68 for general medicine, 20 for surgical issues, and two each for pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and orthopedic cases. Among the patients treated, 71 were female and 23 were male. Of the cases, 22 were directly related to the earthquake, 14 were indirectly related, and 56 were unrelated. One patient with neonatal sepsis was referred to the 200 Bedded General Hospital in Pyinmana.
In addition to medical operations, the USAR team focused on the Jade City Hotel, where the entertainment building’s ground floor had collapsed. Despite challenges such as limited communication and extreme heat, the team has effectively managed operations by utilizing local interpreters to facilitate communication with patients. Continuous coordination meetings have been held to enhance teamwork and operational efficiency.
The USAR team concentrated on retrieving victims at the Jade City Hotel, but progress was hindered by heavy debris that limited visibility. Operations began at 9:30 AM but were halted due to structural challenges at 3:30 PM. All personnel are accounted for and in good health.
The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent remains committed to supporting affected communities in Myanmar and will provide further updates as operations continue.
