Cambodianess /
PHNOM PENH – Cambodia will be joining other ASEAN emergency response experts in Myanmar as part of the regional disaster relief efforts following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake on March 28. In addition to dispatching two emergency response and assessment experts, Cambodia has provided $100,000 in aid to support relief operations.
The earthquake has resulted in over 1,700 deaths and more than 3,400 injuries, with numbers expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
During the Special Emergency ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on March 30, Prak Sokhonn, Cambodia's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, expressed condolences for the tragic loss of lives and the devastation of infrastructure in Myanmar.
He announced Cambodia's initial emergency assistance of $100,000, with a commitment to providing further necessary support.
“Cambodia remains steadfast in supporting ASEAN’s collective response under Malaysia’s chairmanship during this difficult time,” Sokhonn stated.
Following the disaster, Cambodia advocated for a ceasefire in Myanmar to facilitate peace and ensure the delivery of essential humanitarian aid to those affected. Sokhonn also called for the activation of ASEAN disaster response mechanisms and sought international support.
With approval from Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia's National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) deployed two experts from the ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) to join 19 other members in Myanmar.
“The two experts are not in the rescue team. They help with facilitation, fast analysis, and logistics,” the NCDM explained on March 30, adding that there are 21 experts in total.
These Cambodian experts will collaborate with counterparts from Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
“Their participation in this mission reflects Cambodia’s commitment in solidarity with the people of Myanmar during their hardship,” the NCDM added.
The deployment was approved at the request of Myanmar’s military junta and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
The earthquake's impact extended beyond Myanmar, with tremors felt in southwestern China and Bangkok, Thailand, where a 34-story building collapsed, trapping dozens of workers. In Cambodia, only slight vibrations were experienced in high-rise buildings for a short period, without any significant tremors.
