Global Aid Effort Intensifies as Multiple Countries Dispatch Rescue Teams to Myanmar

Global Aid Effort Ramps Up as Multiple Countries Dispatch Rescue Teams to Myanmar

Several countries have deployed rescue teams to Myanmar to assist in relief operations following Friday’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, as the death toll continues to rise and many remain missing.

In a rare move, Myanmar’s military leaders have formally requested international assistance—a stark contrast to previous disasters when they often rejected global aid.

China was the first to respond, with a rescue team arriving in Yangon on Saturday morning, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. Additionally, Beijing has pledged 100 million yuan ($13 million) in humanitarian aid, following a phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing. China remains Myanmar’s most significant ally, with deep economic ties, including investments in mining, oil, and natural gas projects.

Russia quickly followed suit, sending a specialized team comprising search dogs, anesthesiologists, and psychologists, the Russian emergencies ministry confirmed.

Neighboring India has also stepped in, dispatching a rescue and medical team along with urgent humanitarian aid, as announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on X.

Other countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, have also pledged to send rescue teams, further strengthening the international response to the crisis.