Myanmar Fire Services Department (MFSD) search and rescue teams rescued more than 600 people from the earthquake-hit areas in 36 hours after the Mandalay earthquake and before international search and rescue teams arrived, Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung said.
The remarks were noted at the 79th Anniversary of Myanmar Fire Services Department held at the Thida Hall at the Myanmar Fire Services Department Headquarters in Mayangone Township, Yangon, on the morning of May 5. Lt-Gen Tun Tun Naung said that in the 36 hours after the earthquake, before international search and rescue teams arrived, the Fire Services Department search and rescue teams, which were organized by region in the affected areas, rescued 604 people alive and 348 dead, including 391 survivors and 145 dead, within 12 hours.
International search and rescue teams, in collaboration with the Fire Services Department’s search and rescue teams, were able to rescue 8 survivors and 199 victims. In the entire process, 653 survivors and 788 dead bodies were retrieved. The achievement is an international standard, and the international search and rescue teams appreciate the Myanmar Fire Services Department for the achievement, said Lt. Gen. Tun Tun Naung. In addition, it is gratifying to see that the Fire Services Department’s search and rescue teams are actively participating in the aftermath of the earthquake disaster, such as the distribution of drinking water at the time of temporary distribution of drinking water, the clearing of debris, and the rehabilitation work, he said.
