THE Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) today extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand following the powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar yesterday.
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 reaffirms its solidarity with the families and communities affected by the earthquake and its impact,” it said in a statement.
ASEAN further recognises the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and ASEAN stands ready to support relief and recovery efforts, including through the deployment of the ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT), the utilisation of the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA), and the support of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), based on priorities identified by Myanmar and Thailand.
“ASEAN affirms its solidarity and will work closely to coordinate humanitarian assistance, support and facilitate relief operations, and ensure timely and effective humanitarian response, with the assistance of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre),” added the statement. – March 29, 2025
