PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 — A total of 77 members of the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) will be deployed to the Philippines tomorrow for a humanitarian mission following the recent disaster in the country, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Speaking as the National Disaster Management Committee chairman, he said the team is scheduled to depart for the disaster site at 9am tomorrow, fully equipped with Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) gear, communication systems, emergency medical facilities, K9 detection units, and logistics vehicles.
“As a neighbouring Asean country, Malaysia has approved the mobilisation of the SMART team in full configuration as part of our preparedness to extend humanitarian assistance to the Philippines.
“I believe this step demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to Asean regional solidarity and ensures that humanitarian aid can be mobilised swiftly to save lives and help restore the livelihoods of disaster victims in the country,” he said in a Facebook post today.
At least 26 people were killed and 147 others injured after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off the waters of Cebu province in the Philippines on Tuesday night, according to the Xinhua news agency.
The Philippines’ National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said today that the death toll is expected to rise further.
Zahid also extended his condolences to the people of the Philippines following the earthquake, which also left hundreds injured and disrupted the lives of millions in the affected provinces.
Initial reports indicated severe infrastructure damage, including partial collapses and destruction to both residential and commercial buildings.
The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, a centuries-old historical structure, was among those partially damaged.
Power outages were also reported in several areas, while roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure sustained heavy damage, with preliminary losses estimated at US$45.7 billion (RM192.2 billion).
“May every search and rescue effort be eased, every affected victim receive due assistance, and the Philippines recover and rebuild the lives of its people affected by this disaster,” he said.
In March of this year, Malaysia also deployed 50 SMART personnel and officers to Naypyidaw, Myanmar, for a humanitarian relief mission and to assist in search and rescue (SAR) operations for earthquake victims.
