Taipei, Taiwan – In response to the powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday afternoon, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency (NFA) has placed a 120-member elite rescue team on standby, prepared for immediate deployment if assistance is requested.
The earthquake, which was followed by a strong 6.4 aftershock, has caused widespread devastation in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, near the country’s second-largest city, Mandalay. The tremors have led to collapsed buildings, cracked roads, and mass casualties. The Myanmar military government has declared a state of emergency in six affected regions as rescue efforts continue.
Taiwan’s Response: A Highly Prepared Rescue Team Ready for Action
Taiwan’s NFA team is among the most skilled emergency response units in Asia, equipped to handle post-earthquake search and rescue missions. The unit consists of:
✔ 120 highly trained personnel, including firefighters and first responders.
✔ 5 doctors and 7 nurses specializing in disaster-related injuries.
✔ 1 veterinarian for animal rescue and medical assistance.
✔ 6 trained search-and-rescue dogs capable of locating survivors in collapsed buildings.
✔ 15 tons of specialized rescue equipment, including life-detection tools and debris-clearing machinery.
Both President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) have expressed deep concern over the disaster, stating that Taiwan stands ready to provide humanitarian aid. The government has confirmed that if Myanmar formally requests assistance, the team will be deployed immediately.
As of 8:00 p.m. Friday, Taiwan had not yet received an official request for aid from Myanmar’s authorities.
Myanmar’s Earthquake: Widespread Destruction and Casualties
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the magnitude 7.7 earthquake with an epicenter in the Sagaing region at a depth of 10 kilometers. Minutes later, the region experienced a magnitude 6.4 aftershock, intensifying the destruction.
Key Impacts in Myanmar:
✔ At least 20 confirmed deaths, with the number expected to rise.
✔ Numerous people missing, including some buried under debris.
✔ Hundreds of buildings severely damaged or collapsed.
✔ Major infrastructure damage, including cracked roads and power outages.
The Myanmar government has launched an emergency relief operation, mobilizing military and civilian rescue teams.
Earthquake Effects in Neighboring Thailand
The powerful earthquake also triggered tremors in neighboring Thailand, where a magnitude 4.9 quake was recorded. Reports from local Thai media indicate:
✔ Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has declared Bangkok an emergency zone.
✔ Three deaths reported in Thailand, with dozens injured.
✔ Buildings and roads in northern Thailand suffered damage.
Rescue efforts are now underway in both Myanmar and Thailand to assist those affected.
Concern for Taiwanese Nationals in Myanmar
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has confirmed that one Taiwanese national is currently missing following a building collapse in Mandalay. Efforts are ongoing to locate the individual.
Additionally, around 30 Taiwanese students—mostly children of businesspeople residing in Yangon—are confirmed safe and unharmed, according to MOFA. The Ministry of Education has stated that it will continue monitoring the situation closely.
Global Humanitarian Efforts Underway
Following the earthquake, international organizations and governments have begun sending assistance to Myanmar. The United Nations (UN) and Red Cross have pledged immediate support, and several Asian countries are evaluating potential aid missions.
If Myanmar requests Taiwan’s assistance, Taiwan’s elite rescue team could be among the first foreign responders to arrive on the ground.
FAQs
Why is Taiwan sending a rescue team to Myanmar?
Taiwan has a highly skilled disaster response team that can provide search-and-rescue operations, medical aid, and emergency relief. If requested, Taiwan is ready to assist Myanmar in saving lives.
What is included in Taiwan’s rescue team?
The 120-member team includes firefighters, doctors, nurses, a veterinarian, and search-and-rescue dogs. They also have 15 tons of rescue equipment.
Has Taiwan received an official request for aid?
As of 8:00 p.m. Friday, no official request had been made by Myanmar’s government. However, Taiwan remains on standby.
How many people have died in the earthquake?
Current reports indicate at least 20 deaths in Myanmar and 3 in Thailand, but numbers are expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
What are Myanmar’s government and international agencies doing to help?
Myanmar has declared a state of emergency in six regions, while international organizations like the UN and Red Cross are mobilizing aid.
Will Taiwan send more resources beyond the rescue team?
If needed, Taiwan may send additional medical aid, financial assistance, or supplies as part of a broader humanitarian mission.
