HONG KONG/YANGON, March 30 (Xinhua) -- As Myanmar's earthquake death toll mounts, China and neighboring countries have swiftly mobilized critical aid and dispatched rescue teams to the worst-hit areas.
At least 1,644 people died and 3,408 were injured in the powerful earthquake, according to Myanmar's Information Team of the State Administration Council.
The 7.9-magnitude earthquake hit the southeast Asian country on Friday, with Mandalay, Bago, Magway, the northeastern Shan state, Sagaing and Nay Pyi Taw among the hardest-hit regions.
China's first 37-member rescue team from southwest Yunnan Province arrived at Yangon International Airport on Saturday morning, bringing life detectors, earthquake early warning systems and drones. During their rescue operation, an elderly man was pulled out alive early Sunday in the capital Nay Pyi Taw.
Another 82-strong Chinese rescue team also arrived in Yangon on Saturday afternoon to assist their Myanmar counterparts in carrying out relief works.
The Red Cross Society of China has sent emergency humanitarian aid to Myanmar. Emergency relief supplies, to be distributed through the Myanmar Red Cross Society, include 300 tents, 2,000 blankets, 600 folding beds and relief kits for 2,000 affected households.
China has decided to provide Myanmar with 100 million yuan (approximately 13.9 million U.S. dollars) in emergency humanitarian aid to support earthquake relief efforts, a spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency said.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said in a foreign ministers' statement that it further recognizes the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and stands ready to support relief and recovery efforts.
"ASEAN affirms its solidarity and will work closely to coordinate humanitarian assistance, support and facilitate relief operations, and ensure timely and effective humanitarian response," the statement read.
Malaysia's national disaster management agency said the country will deploy a 50-member humanitarian assistance and disaster relief team to Yangon on Sunday.
"Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation and will continue to contribute meaningfully to humanitarian relief and disaster management efforts across ASEAN," the agency said.
Vietnam will deploy a 79-member military task force to assist with earthquake search and rescue operations and post-disaster recovery efforts in Myanmar, Vietnam News Agency reported.
The team, organized by the Department of Rescue and Relief under the Ministry of Defense, is scheduled to depart for Myanmar on Sunday.
India's defense ministry said in a statement on Saturday that it will deploy a medical task force to earthquake-hit Myanmar.
"A 118-member team from the elite Shatrujeet Brigade Medical Responders is set to take off to Myanmar shortly along with essential medical equipment and supplies," said the statement.
Singapore has deployed an 80-member contingent from its civil defense force to assist in disaster rescue efforts. The contingent, which departed on Saturday, includes specialists in rescue operations, medical support, search and rescue, and hazardous material management. It is also accompanied by four search dogs.
New Zealand said it will donate 2 million New Zealand dollars (1.14 million dollars) through the International Red Cross to support emergency response in Myanmar.
On Friday, the United Nations (UN) allocated 5 million dollars in aid to Myanmar, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general. "The UN is mobilizing teams and support." ■
