Demonstration of Search and Rescue: SSPC member MOHA UM attended the demonstration

Based on reviews and lessons learned from cooperation with international search and rescue teams during the Mandalay earthquake incident, and in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State, preparations are currently under way to upgrade the Search and Rescue Team formed under the Fire Services Department into a Medium Team internationally recognized by (International Search and Rescue Advisory Group), enabling it to operate on par with international counterparts. In this regard, advance organization, preparation, and training have been carried out, and the Government has already procured and supplied the necessary search and rescue vehicles, machinery, and equipment.

Along with these vehicles and equipment, a demonstration ceremony of earthquake disaster response and search and rescue capabilities by the National Search and Rescue Medium Teams was held, in the morning on December 17, at the Central Fire Station of the Fire Services Department in Zabuthiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw. The event was attended and observed by Member of the State Security and Peace Commission, Chairman of the National Natural Disaster Management Committee, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung; Vice Chairman, Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Dr. Soe Win; and Chairman of the Nay Pyi Taw Council U Than Tun Oo.

First, at the Nay Pyi Taw Central Fire Station, Union Minister Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung, Union Minister Dr. Soe Win, and distinguished guests toured and inspected the modern international-standard search and rescue vehicles and equipment on display. The Director General of the Fire Services Department, U Myat Thu, then briefed attendees on the status of preparation, organization, and training of two Medium Teams equipped with designated vehicles and equipment.

Subsequently, the National Search and Rescue Medium Teams conducted demonstrations in the form of scenario-based exercises, in accordance with international search and rescue procedures, simulating overseas humanitarian assistance and rescue operations.

A Medium-level Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team is capable of conducting canine searches and technical searches to locate trapped, buried, or missing persons in disaster-affected areas. Such teams can operate continuously for up to seven days, with 24-hour operations per worksite. The medical component of a Medium USAR Team is able to provide effective emergency medical assistance to rescued casualties, and the team can perform search and rescue operations up to Assessment of Search and Rescue (ASR) Level 4.

By forming Urban Search and Rescue Teams in line with the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group Guidelines, search and rescue operations within the country can be carried out more effectively and successfully. Moreover, Myanmar will be able to deploy nationally representative rescue teams to provide assistance during regional and international natural disaster incidents, it’s learnt.