SINGAPORE – In a swift response to the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) deployed an 80-member team under Operation Lionheart on 29 March 2024. This marks the first large-scale overseas mission since their efforts in Turkey last year.
Details of the Deployment
The SCDF contingent includes specialists from the elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART), paramedics, medical doctors, and even four highly trained search canines. They departed from Changi Airport around 1.20pm after a thorough pre-departure briefing at SCDF headquarters in Ubi.
- Team members comprise:
- Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART)
- Full-time National Servicemen doctors and paramedics
- Search and hazardous materials specialists
Emergency Context
The deployment follows a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that shook Myanmar on 28 March, primarily affecting Mandalay, Myanmar’s largest city after Yangon. This quake has tragically resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities and left nearly 2,400 injured, with numbers expected to rise.
Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing’s rare appeal for international aid underscores the urgency of the situation, urging immediate assistance from other nations.
Mission Equipment and Objectives
The SCDF contingent is equipped with advanced urban search and rescue tools, including:
- Battery-operated cutting, breaking, and lifting equipment
- Life detection devices
- Fibre-optic scopes
According to Operation Lionheart chief Tay Zhi Wei, the team’s primary goal is locating and rescuing survivors, although they are prepared to adapt their mission based on the evolving needs of the affected communities.
Gratitude and Support
Before their departure, Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, expressed his appreciation to the SCDF officers and their families. He highlighted the spirit of the SCDF as they responded, stating he was “elated and touched” by their readiness to help.
Additionally, the Singapore Red Cross has pledged an initial $150,000 to aid relief efforts, demonstrating a unified effort from the nation to support their neighbours in this time of crisis.
The mission, expected to last up to 14 days, will play a crucial part in determining the immediate needs of those affected by this tragedy. As the world watches, Singapore stands ready to lend a helping hand to those in dire need.