Rescue Operation: Rescue team from Russia leaves for Myanmar

In order to provide assistance in relief measures at the quake hit areas, a 120-member rescue team from Russia left from Moscow on Saturday. 

They will assist in the rescue operation at the areas affected by the severe earthquake. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar at 12:51 PM local time on March 28, with its epicenter located about 20 kilometers northeast of Mandalay. 

It was described as a shallow earthquake of 10 kilometers deep and it caused quite substantial damage, followed by small aftershocks. The strong tremor led to the collapse of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, hotels and public residential buildings. 

Several townships in the Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory, Pyinmana and Yemethin townships, Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago Regions and parts of Shan State were severely affected. The National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) has declared a state of emergency in the affected areas, including Sagaing Region, Mandalay Region, Magway Region, Shan State (Northeast), Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory and Bago Region.

Rescue operations are currently underway in the aforesaid earthquake-prone areas, with relevant authorities working tirelessly to assist those in need. As there is an emergency need for blood, the public are requested to donate blood at the nearest hospitals. 

The public are urged to stay updated on timely information released by the Disaster Management Committee and remain cautious of possible rumors and cooperate with the authorities in disaster response efforts.