KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 — Rescue workers, sniffer dogs, paramedics, and millions of dollars in aid began arriving in Myanmar after a massive earthquake ravaged much of the war-torn country.
About 2,000 people have so far been reported dead in Friday's magnitude 7.7 earthquake, where millions were already displaced by a civil war triggered by the 2021 military coup.
The quake was the deadliest natural disaster to hit Myanmar in years and damaged critical infrastructure across the country of 55 million people.
Here is a look at the major aid contributors:
China
Beijing sent the first batch of US$13.9 million (RM61.65 million) in emergency aid to Myanmar on Monday, state news agency Xinhua reported.
According to the China International Development Cooperation Agency, the initial supplies included tents, blankets, and first aid kits.
India
India sent a search and rescue team, medical professionals and a military transport aircraft filled with blankets, hygiene kits, food packets, and other essential items on Saturday (March 29).
New Delhi has since sent at least four more aircraft and four ships carrying relief material, a special military medical unit, and members of its disaster response agency.
United States
The United States pledged US$2 million (RM8.87 million) in aid "through Myanmar-based humanitarian assistance organizations". It said in a statement that an emergency response team from the United States Agency for International Development, which is undergoing massive cuts under the Trump administration, is being sent to Myanmar.
Vietnam
Vietnam has sent a team of more than 100 rescuers, medical staff, and firefighters, along with aids and sniffer dogs.
"The most important task of the Vietnamese rescue force is to focus on searching for and rescuing survivors," Vietnam's Ministry of Defence said today..
State media reported that Vietnam had also sent US$300,000 (RM1.33 million) in aid to Myanmar.
South Korea
South Korea said it would provide US$2 million in initial humanitarian aid through international organisations to help Myanmar respond to Friday's earthquake.
"The Korean government hopes that this support will help efforts to save lives in the affected areas, and will closely monitor the damage situation and consider additional support if necessary," its foreign ministry said on Saturday.
[caption id="attachment_395610" align="aligncenter" width="1018"]
Motorists ride past a collapsed building following a strong earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 29, 2025. — Picture by REUTERS[/caption]
Thailand
Thailand, which was also hit by the quake, has sent 55 air force personnel, including medics and search and rescue specialists, as well as medical supplies to Myanmar.
Russia
Two Russian aircraft carrying 60 rescue workers, four dogs, ambulances and rescue vehicles arrived in Myanmar's capital Naypyitaw yesterday, Myanmar's state broadcaster MRTV reported.
Japan
The Japanese government has dispatched a five-person assessment party that includes medical professionals to lay the groundwork for a larger emergency rescue team.
It will provide emergency relief supplies like daily necessities for disaster victims and was in the final stages of determining what to include in the relief packages.
Singapore
Singapore has sent an 80-member team to assist with disaster rescue efforts. The government contributed SG$150,000 (RM495,522) as seed money to support the fundraising efforts of the Singapore Red Cross.
Malaysia
Malaysia pledged RM10 million in humanitarian aid to the earthquake victims and deployed a 50-member disaster relief team yesterday. Malaysia, this year's Asean chair, a 10-member grouping of Southeast Asian nations including Myanmar, said the organisation would also send a humanitarian mission to Myanmar this week.
New Zealand
New Zealand said it would contribute NZ$2 million (RM5.04 million) to the International Red Cross to support their humanitarian responders.
Philippines
The Philippines said it was deploying 114 personnel, including search and rescue teams, medical assistance teams and Asean emergency responders. They are scheduled to travel to Myanmar on April 1.
Taiwan
Taiwan's Red Cross donated US$50,000 (RM221,762) for disaster relief, but last night, its Fire Department stood down the 120-person rescue team it had put on standby. Taiwan's Foreign Ministry said it has offered to liaise with Myanmar on ways it can provide help.
— Reuters
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Rescuers work at the site of a damaged building in the aftermath of a strong earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, on March 30, 2025. — Picture by REUTERS[/caption]
