UAE bolsters earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar

The United Arab Emirates has stepped up to aid Myanmar in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, deploying a specialized search and rescue team to assist victims across six heavily affected areas.

Comprising personnel from the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), Abu Dhabi Police, UAE National Guard, and Joint Operations Command, the Emirati team is working in rotating shifts to accelerate rescue and relief operations on the ground, according to WAM.

The UAE’s intervention comes as part of its ongoing commitment to global humanitarian efforts, particularly in regions struck by natural disasters. The coordinated operation aims to reach as many affected communities as possible, delivering vital assistance and supporting local authorities in a time of dire need.

Myanmar was rocked by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake last week centered near Mandalay. The disaster has caused widespread destruction, toppling buildings, damaging infrastructure, and leaving thousands homeless. The death toll has now surpassed 3,100, with more than 4,500 injured and hundreds still unaccounted for.

In addition to physical devastation, survivors face mounting health threats. Damaged hospitals and water systems, combined with extreme heat and forecasts of unseasonal rain, have raised fears of outbreaks of diseases like cholera, malaria, and dengue.

International aid efforts are gaining momentum, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for an urgent global response. A temporary ceasefire announced by Myanmar’s military junta—scheduled to last until April 22—is intended to facilitate relief operations, though reports of continued clashes have raised concerns about access to some regions.

The UAE’s swift and structured response underscores its role as a key player in international humanitarian relief, offering critical support as Myanmar battles one of the worst natural disasters in its recent history.