MND to send forces and vehicles to support Myanmar in earthquake relief efforts

At the conference, the Search and Rescue Department reported that on the afternoon of March 28, a powerful earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale struck central Myanmar, causing at least 10 aftershocks, ranging from 2.8 to 7.5 in magnitude, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries.

Sr. Lt. Gen. Huynh Chien Thang speaking at the event

The department coordinated with relevant agencies and units to build a plan for forming a team of the Vietnam People’s Army to join humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in Myanmar. The team consists of 79 officers, including commanding staff, communications teams, and rescue forces (including search and rescue force, military dog trainers, and service dogs), and medical personnel.

The General Department of Logistics and Technical Services and the Department of Military Force are preparing transportation and supply chains for the mission, ensuring that logistical and technical support is in place. The Department of Foreign Relations is coordinating travel arrangements with the Air Defense - Air Force Service and commercial airlines to transport personnel, equipment, and relief goods to the disaster zone in Myanmar.

At the event

In his remarks, Sr. Lt. Gen. Huynh Chien Thang praised the preparation and the organization of the forces tasked with the relief mission in Myanmar.

He underlined that the dispatch of VPA’s forces to participate in humanitarian aid and disaster relief in Myanmar shows the foreign policy and high responsibility of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam toward the international community, affirming the reputation, responsibility, and capabilities of the VPA in international relations and cooperation.

The GS chief required the Search and Rescue Department, the Department of Foreign Relations, the Engineering Corps, the General Department of Logistics and Technical Services, and relevant units to closely coordinate and expedite procedures so that the relief forces can depart on March 30.

Particularly, the participating forces should focus on building good relationships and coordinating with international forces, local authorities, and people, contributing to promoting the good virtues of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” and the VPA’s traditions to leave a positive impression on international friends and people of Myanmar.

Translated by Quynh Oanh