SEREMBAN: Asean will deploy its Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT) to support field-level operations and prepare the mobilisation of relief teams from member countries to help quake victims in Myanmar and Thailand.

Asean Foreign Ministers who held an emergency meeting via video conferencing on Sunday (March 30) said the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance in disaster management (AHA Centre) will do this through the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for Asean (Delsa).

The special meeting was held following the 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday (March 28), affecting the peoples of Myanmar and Thailand.

“The Asean Foreign Ministers extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the peoples of Myanmar and Thailand who were affected by the earthquake, resulting in significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction, particularly in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Sagaing, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and surrounding areas.

“The Asean Foreign Ministers stressed that during such challenging times, Asean member states stand in solidarity with one another, and resolved to help the families and communities affected by the earthquake and its impact,” they said in a statement.

Recognising the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, they also agreed to strengthen relief and recovery efforts through the Asean Standby Arrangements and Asean member states’ contributions.

The statement said search and rescue and relief teams from member states have also arrived in Myanmar.

To ensure the overall objective of an effective and timely response to help those impacted by the disaster, the special meeting has agreed to support Myanmar’s request to activate the role of the secretary-general in accordance with the current terms of reference of the secretary-general of Asean as the Assistance Coordinator (SG-AHAC).

They also expressed appreciation for the contributions by member states, external partners, the United Nations, and the private sector and welcomed the continued support from all to provide assistance to the affected communities.

“The foreign ministers reaffirmed the importance of a safe and conducive environment in Myanmar to ensure the delivery of lifesaving humanitarian assistance.

“The ministers also encouraged all Myanmar stakeholders to focus on humanitarian assistance and to facilitate relief efforts,” it said.

The Ministers further welcomed Myanmar’s readiness in ensuring the humanitarian aid reaches those in need in a timely and effective manner without disruption and discrimination.

Finally, the meeting also agreed for Malaysia, as the Asean chair together with the Foreign Minister of Thailand to undertake a humanitarian visit to Myanmar on April 5 for this purpose.