Key Updates on Taiwan Nationals Affected by Myanmar’s Devastating Earthquake
- One Taiwanese woman remains trapped in a collapsed hotel in Mandalay, while her husband has been rescued with minor injuries, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- A second Taiwanese woman, previously thought missing in a separate collapsed building, has been contacted and is safe.
- MOFA has raised its travel alert for Myanmar to the second-highest “orange” level, urging Taiwanese citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.
- Myanmar has called for international aid, but Taiwan has yet to receive an official request for assistance.
- Taiwan’s National Fire Agency (NFA) has over 100 rescue personnel, including medical professionals and six search dogs, on standby for deployment.
Deep Dive: Taiwan’s Response to the Myanmar Earthquake
Taiwanese Nationals Affected
Following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Mandalay, Myanmar on Friday afternoon, MOFA confirmed that three Taiwanese citizens were impacted.
- A Taiwanese woman remains trapped inside a collapsed hotel in Mandalay but has been able to stay in contact with rescuers.
- Her husband, who was with her at the time of the quake, was pulled from the rubble and suffered only minor injuries.
- A second Taiwanese woman, initially feared missing in another collapsed building, has been found and is safe.
MOFA has been closely monitoring the rescue efforts and remains in contact with the individuals involved.
Taiwan Issues Travel Warnings for Myanmar and Thailand
In response to the disaster, MOFA raised its travel advisory for Myanmar to an “orange” alert, meaning Taiwanese citizens should avoid non-essential travel due to growing safety concerns.
MOFA’s four-tier travel warning system:
- Red – Most severe (Do not travel)
- Orange – High risk (Avoid non-essential travel)
- Yellow – Caution (Be extra vigilant)
- Gray – Normal safety precautions
While Myanmar is now at “orange”, Thailand remains at “yellow,” indicating heightened vigilance is needed but travel is not yet discouraged.
Myanmar’s Call for International Aid – Will Taiwan Help?
As the death toll surpasses 1,000, Myanmar has publicly appealed for aid from any country or organization. However, Taiwan has not yet received an official request for assistance from the Myanmar government.
- China and India have already sent rescue teams and supplies to Myanmar.
- Myanmar’s military junta has historically been reluctant to accept international aid after disasters, which may explain the slow response.
- Taiwan’s representative office in Myanmar and Thailand has offered its rescue teams for deployment but is awaiting official approval.
Taiwan’s National Fire Agency Ready for Immediate Deployment
Taiwan’s National Fire Agency (NFA) has confirmed that a 100-person rescue team, including medical professionals and six rescue dogs, is on 24-hour standby.
- The team is equipped with life-detection tools and specialized rescue equipment.
- Deployment will depend on official requests from Myanmar or Thailand.
Until then, Taiwan continues to monitor the situation and remains ready to assist when called upon.
FAQs
How many Taiwanese nationals have been affected by the Myanmar earthquake?
Three Taiwanese individuals were impacted:
One woman remains trapped in a collapsed hotel but is in communication with rescuers.
Her husband has been rescued with minor injuries.
Another Taiwanese woman, initially reported missing, has been found safe.
What is Taiwan doing to help Myanmar?
Taiwan has offered its rescue teams to Myanmar and Thailand, but an official request for assistance is still pending.
China Airlines is providing free shipment of disaster relief supplies.
Taiwan’s National Fire Agency has over 100 rescue personnel ready for deployment.
Why hasn’t Taiwan sent rescue teams yet?
Taiwan is waiting for an official request from the Myanmar or Thai governments before deploying rescue teams. Myanmar’s military junta has a history of resisting international aid, which may be causing delays.
What travel warnings has Taiwan issued?
Myanmar is now under an “orange” travel alert (avoid non-essential travel).
Thailand remains under a “yellow” alert (travel with caution).
What’s the latest death toll from the earthquake?
Reports indicate over 1,000 deaths, with ongoing rescue efforts in both Myanmar and Thailand.
