SEREMBAN: The National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) will send an initial team of 10 personnel to assist in search and rescue work following the earthquake in Myanmar.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the team is scheduled to arrive in Yangon around 1.30pm on Saturday (March 29).
"This team will carry out assessment on the ground and then report to another team that will be arriving later with the necessary equipment.
"Nadma has been liaising with the Myanmar embassy in Kuala Lumpur on this," he said.
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Separately, Mohamad said Asean member states will work closely to coordinate humanitarian assistance, facilitate relief operations, and ensure timely and effective humanitarian response in Myanmar and northern Thailand.
This will be done with the assistance of the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre).
"Asean extends its deepest sympathies and condolences, to the people of Myanmar and northern Thailand following the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28.
"Asean further recognises the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and reaffirms its solidarity with the families and communities affected by the earthquake and its impact," he added.
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Mohamad said the disaster has resulted in significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction, particularly in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and surrounding areas.
Asean, he said, is ready to support relief and recovery efforts based on priorities identified by Myanmar and Thailand.
Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) has been mobilised to join in the search and rescue operation (SAR) in the areas worst hit by the earthquake in Myanmar, reported Bernama.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the team is scheduled to arrive in Yangon at about 1pm today.
"At the same time, humanitarian aid to Thailand is also being coordinated and will be mobilised soon," Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Central Disaster Management Committee chairman, said in a statement.
