On March 31, 2025, the Support Team of the Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam began deploying rescue operations in Myanmar, following a devastating earthquake that struck the region. This delegation includes many officers and soldiers who had previously participated in rescue efforts during the earthquake disaster in Turkey two years ago.
After approximately eight hours of travel, the team arrived in the Sagaing City area, located about 250 kilometers from the capital, Naypyidaw. Upon their arrival, the Vietnamese working delegation quickly organized a strategic coordination meeting with representatives from Myanmar, ensuring a clear plan for the rescue operations ahead.
Following this meeting, the Vietnamese team immediately commenced their rescue efforts. They traveled to the first site of interest, a location just a 20-minute drive from their base. The scene was a tragic sight: a three-story building had completely collapsed, covering an area of 200 square meters. The delegation's first task was to search for two victims believed to be trapped inside the rubble of the building.
Using sniffer dogs and modern equipment, the officers and soldiers worked diligently to locate the victims. The building, located at house number 2367 in the Balathidi residential area of Zabuthiri, reportedly had a man over 60 years old and a woman around 30 years old trapped within its debris.
The situation in Myanmar was dire, as the earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.3, causing tremors felt in many localities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Institute of Geophysics is actively monitoring the situation to assess ongoing aftershocks and their impact.
At 3:00 AM on the same day, Vietnamese forces arrived in Naypyidaw, where Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Department of Rescue and Relief and General Commander of the Vietnam People's Army, emphasized the urgency of their mission. "After being present in the capital Naypyidaw, the delegation quickly organized reconnaissance forces to survey the area, determine their determination, and organize the implementation of the task of searching for victims," he stated.
The Vietnamese rescue force included ten military and public security officers tasked with conducting on-site reconnaissance. As they assessed the situation, they planned to deploy a sapper team to assist with collapsed structures. This team would utilize a wall-penetrating radar detection system alongside image and sound search equipment to pinpoint the victims' locations accurately.
In addition to the search and rescue operations, the military delegation was prepared to send 30 officers from the military medical force to establish a small-scale treatment and reception team. Their goal was to provide first aid for both internal and external injuries to the victims, as well as to assist local residents affected by the disaster.
On the same day, the Vietnamese delegation also presented 30 tons of dry food to representatives of Myanmar, aimed at supporting those impacted by the earthquake. This gesture of solidarity was crucial in providing immediate relief to the victims.
The images emerging from Naypyidaw depicted a city in distress, with buildings severely damaged and roads cracked open. Local residents expressed their fear and uncertainty in the aftermath of the earthquake, highlighting the emotional toll this disaster has taken on the community.
As the rescue operations continue, the Vietnamese team remains committed to their mission, drawing on their previous experiences and training to navigate the challenges posed by the disaster. With the deployment of advanced technology and a dedicated group of rescuers, they aim to locate and assist any remaining victims trapped in the rubble.
As the situation develops, the Vietnamese government and its agencies stand ready to provide ongoing support to Myanmar, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in times of crisis. The efforts of the Vietnamese rescue team not only reflect their commitment to humanitarian aid but also underscore the strong ties between the two nations.
In the coming days, as rescue operations expand and more information becomes available, the focus will remain on ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected individuals. The Vietnamese delegation's swift response and readiness to assist serve as a testament to the resilience and solidarity that can emerge in the face of natural disasters.
