SCDF deploys 80-member team including rescuers & search dogs to Myanmar as earthquake death toll hits 1,000

A 80-member contingent has been deployed to Myanmar in response to a request for humanitarian assistance, said the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) on Mar. 29.

This comes as fatalities from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake exceed 1,000, according to Reuters.

The contingent includes rescuers from the elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART), operationally-ready National Servicemen (NSmen), full-time NSmen medical doctors, paramedics, search specialists with four dogs, hazardous materials specialists, and support officers.

They departed from Changi Airport at 1:20pm on Mar. 29.

Seen off

SCDF shared photos of the team's send-off and departure on Facebook.

The event was attended by Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim.

Prior to their departure, the contingent was equipped with a range of portable urban search and rescue equipment.

These included life detection devices and lifting equipment, apart from medical supplies, field rations, and tentage.

Apart from the humans, the canine rescuers were also seen preparing for action.

This included Quince, a four-year-old cocker spaniel, who was clearly ready for the mission ahead.

Aftershocks, death toll

The earthquake struck central Myanmar on Mar. 28, collapsing buildings and destroying a historic bridge.

It was the largest quake to hit Myanmar in more than a century, reported CNN.

As of Mar. 29, the death toll in Myanmar is 1,002.

Tremors were felt as far away as Bangkok, where at least nine people have died and 49 remain missing.

Bangkok has since been declared a disaster area by the Thai government.

As search and rescue efforts continue, aftershocks continue to shake Myanmar, the strongest so far which measured at a magnitude of 6.7.

These aftershocks could continue for months, a geologist told CNN.

In total, the death toll in Myanmar could exceed 10,000, according to predictive modelling by the U.S. Geological Service.

Singaporeans are advised to defer all travel to Myanmar in the meantime, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Top image from SCDF/Facebook