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The Philippine government has started mobilizing humanitarian assistance for Myanmar after a 7.7 magnitude quake that hit the country left widespread destruction and killed more than 1,000 people, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Defense Secretary and NDRRMC chairman Gilberto Teodoro said the Philippine government will be coordinating the Philippine response, with the assistance package expected to be deployed as early as April 1.
The focus, according to Teodoro, is to ensure immediate support for affected communities in Myanmar.
"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,” said Teodoro.
The strong earthquake, which hit Myanmar on Friday, march 28, was felt as far away as China and Thailand.
In Thailand, at least six fatalities were reported and 47 other people missing.
For his part, Office of Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the Philippines’ mobilization was in immediate response to the request of the Myanmar government for urgent assistance.
This includes 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 operations, Nepomuceno said Nay Pyi Taw Airport will serve as the primary entry point, while Yangon Airport may be utilized as a refueling site for aircraft.
Medical team
Nepomuceno said the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT) from the Department of Health is on standby and is composed of 31 personnel.
In addition, he said 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 grand total to 114 personnel, which includes two personnel from the Office of Civil Defense and Contingent Commander Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Diploma of the Philippine Air Force,” said Nepomuceno.
He said the number also includes three 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 by March 30.
“The Philippine government is steadfast in its commitment to providing assistance and support to those affected by this devastating crisis in Myanmar,” said Nepomuceno.