Watch: UAE Search and Rescue Team in action to save lives in quake-hit Myanmar

Abu Dhabi: The UAE rescue teams are continuing humanitarian operations in Myanmar as part of the nation's efforts to support countries affected by natural disasters and provide urgent relief assistance. 

A devastating earthquake with a magnitude exceeding 7.5 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Monday, causing massive destruction and a significant number of casualties and injuries.

In response to the catastrophe, the UAE had launched a large-scale relief operation to assist Myanmar in overcoming the crisis, establishing an air bridge to deliver aid to the devastated areas.

Massive operation 

The authorities have now released a video showing how the UAE team flew into Myanmar and is carrying out massive operations there. 

Upon arrival, the Emirati search and rescue team launched a large-scale rescue operation to aid those injured and affected by the earthquake. 

Rescue teams from the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, the General Headquarters of Abu Dhabi Police, the National Guard, and the Joint Operations Command quickly set up relief camps and shelters amid the widespread devastation caused by the earthquake.

Challenging conditions 

Brigadier General Salem Abdullah bin Barak Al Dhaheri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority, told Gulf News that the UAE Search and Rescue Team’s involvement in Myanmar embodies the UAE’s deeply rooted humanitarian approach and unwavering commitment to extending aid to those in need, regardless of geography or challenges. He noted that the team’s efforts in the field reflect the values of solidarity and responsibility instilled by the country’s wise leadership.

Colonel Muzaffar Mohammed Al Amri, Commander of the UAE Search and Rescue Team, stated that the team continues its field operations under challenging conditions that demand the highest levels of caution and precision. He affirmed the team’s adherence to the highest professional safety standards throughout all phases of its missions, from on-site assessments to dealing with collapsed buildings and rescuing survivors trapped under the rubble.

Close collaboration 

Al Amri added, “Close collaboration with local authorities in Myanmar and continuous coordination with international emergency teams enhance operational efficiency and expand the scope of response efforts, ensuring the rescue of as many lives as possible and the provision of logistical and relief support to affected areas.”

He further explained that the team has so far carried out search and rescue operations in six locations and continues to operate with high efficiency and without interruption. Working in shifts covering both morning and evening periods, the team aims to accelerate response times and reach the largest number of affected sites in the shortest time possible.

Widespread destruction 

The government announced that the death toll had risen to 3,085 after search and rescue teams discovered more bodies, according to an official statement issued on Thursday.

The military government reported that the disaster had also left 4,715 people injured, with 341 individuals still missing.

The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7, had its epicentre near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, leading to the collapse of thousands of buildings and the destruction of roads and bridges across multiple regions.