By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-03-29 05:41:34 | Updated at 2025-03-31 18:54:31
2 days ago
Hong Kong will deploy a search and rescue team to earthquake-stricken areas in Myanmar on Saturday, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has said, as he expressed his condolences to the victims.
“The search and rescue team will do their utmost to help save lives on the ground. Upon receiving the order, this group of elite rescuers quickly assembled and will head to the disaster area in a short period of time, demonstrating their selfless and professional spirit,” Lee said in a social media post.
“The rescue team must make full preparations and also pay attention to their own safety. The HKSAR government will provide support for all the needs of the rescue team and back them up to complete their task safely and smoothly.”
On Friday, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake centred in the Sagaing region near the Myanmar city of Mandalay caused extensive damage in the country and also shook neighbouring Thailand.
Lee said Hong Kong’s team would be deployed on Saturday to “to assist in the search and rescue operations”.
“On behalf of the HKSAR government and the people of Hong Kong, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the victims and extend sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured,” he said.
