(VOVWORLD) - A 25-member rescue team from the Ministry of Public Security, led by Colonel Nguyen Minh Khuong, Deputy Director of the Fire Prevention and Fighting and Rescue Police Department, departed for Myanmar on Sunday to assist in earthquake relief efforts.
The team consists of 22 officers and soldiers, two foreign affairs officers and interpreters, one doctor, and two service dogs. They are expected to arrive in Myanmar Sunday night.
During their 10-day mission, the team will conduct search and rescue operations, provide medical assistance, and support recovery efforts in areas affected by the earthquake. Their activities will be carried out in coordination with Myanmar authorities, in line with their expertise and capabilities.
Meanwhile, 79 military personnel, including command staff, communications teams, search-and-rescue forces, military dog handlers, and medical staff are ready to depart for Myanmar on Sunday. Colonel Pham Hai Chau, deputy director of the VPA General Staff’s Search and Rescue Department, will lead the mission.
 Senior Lieutenant General Huynh Chien Thang chairs a conference on deploying forces for earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar. (Photo: qdnd.vn) |
Senior Lieutenant General Huynh Chien Thang, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, emphasized that Vietnam’s participation underscores the country’s commitment to international humanitarian efforts and highlights the responsibility and capacity of the Vietnam People’s Army in global cooperation. He urged agencies to expedite necessary procedures, particularly in transport logistics, relief supplies, and safety measures, to ensure a swift deployment.
Earlier, within hours of the earthquake’s occurrence on Friday, Mytel, a brand of Viettel in Myanmar, launched a comprehensive emergency response campaign to support nearly four million customers across 98 districts and townships nationwide.
Each person in the affected regions received 1GB of data, 300 minutes of calls, and 300 SMS messages to facilitate communication with relatives and stay updated on vital information from government and rescue agencies.
In an effort to help those enduring widespread power outages, Mytel also set up mobile charging stations in the hardest-hit areas, ensuring that people could remain connected.
Mytel’s engineers, technicians, and staff worked tirelessly through the night, ensuring that the telecommunications network remained operational despite the devastation. The company deployed dozens of mobile broadcasting stations and activated backup equipment, maintaining communication infrastructure essential for rescue efforts and community support.
Mytel also organized 45 distribution points, providing essential aid, including 10,000 meals for those in need, with plans to expand these efforts in the coming days.
Ms. Nan Nyein Kyi Thae, a resident of Mandalay, Myanmar, said: "From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Mytel and our Vietnamese friends. Your team was the first to arrive, bringing food, water, and emergency supplies. That gave us hope when we needed it the most."
Mr. U Soe Lwin, from Naypyitaw, Myanmar, said: "Your kindness and generosity have helped us survive and rebuild. We will never forget what you have done for us. I want to extend my gratitude to Mytel and the people of Vietnam for their support."
The earthquake has prompted the Myanmar government to issue an urgent appeal for international aid. In this situation, Mytel’s swift and practical response not only helped ease some of the concerns of the Myanmar people but also demonstrated the Vietnamese spirit of solidarity with the global community.