MINSK, 30 March (BelTA) - Rescuers of the ZUBR special purpose detachment of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry left for Myanmar from the Machulishchy airfield on 29 March to assist with search and rescue operations and other urgent tasks as the earthquake struck the country, BelTA has learned.
"Myanmar was hit by a strong earthquake on 28 March. The Belarusian president responded immediately and instructed the ZUBR detachment to be put on high alert. Today, on 29 March, we received an official request from Myanmar. We are sending the first part of the unit to assist those in need: 33 people, two canine units, two vehicles, equipment. Shortly after, likely on Monday or Tuesday, we will send the second part of the unit. The third stage of providing assistance will involve delivering humanitarian aid," Belarusian Emergencies Minister Vadim Sinyavsky said.
He emphasized that the team is ready to carry out its tasks and has practical experience in dealing with earthquake aftermaths, as they previously assisted in Türkiye in February 2023. "We are confident that the mission will be completed at a high organizational level," Vadim Sinyavsky noted.
The Minister detailed how the Belarusian rescuers will operate in Myanmar. "The first group will set up a camp and conduct search and rescue operations. This international mission will work under the auspices of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) of the United Nations, which will operate a coordination center. We will cooperate with them and carry out the tasks assigned to us," he stressed.
Vadim Sinyavsky added that the main task for Belarusian rescuers in Myanmar will be searching for people trapped in the rubble. A total of 66 rescuers, four canine units and four specialized vehicles are planned to be deployed.
"Following the instruction of the head of state, we will provide assistance to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. This aligns with the current active development of cooperation between our countries. A Belarusian military delegation led by Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin happened to be in the capital city, Naypyidaw, at the epicenter of the earthquake. They experienced the force of the disaster firsthand and witnessed the catastrophic consequences. Despite the geographical distance (approximately 9,000 km between our countries, with a flight time of about 12 hours), the crews are prepared and will accomplish the task," Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense Troops of Belarus, Major General Andrei Lukyanovich said.
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