Taiwan’s search and rescue team was prepared to assist in Myanmar’s earthquake relief efforts, but the mission has now been canceled.
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Taiwan’s special search and rescue team was assembled quickly after the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28. However, the mission was called off on Sunday, and rescuers were not dispatched to the country.
Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) said that while Taiwan is willing to assist with search and rescue operations, ongoing clashes between Myanmar’s military government and internal opposition forces made it impossible to guarantee the team's safety.
Taiwan’s National Fire Agency initially mobilized teams from Taoyuan, Pingtung, and its headquarters on the afternoon of the earthquake. However, the mission was officially called off on March 30 after communications with Burmese and Thai authorities. Despite not entering the disaster zone, Taiwan remains committed to global humanitarian aid, reaffirming that “Taiwan Can Help.”
Currently, 13 international teams from China, Hong Kong, and India are operating in Myanmar, while Chinese and Israeli teams have deployed in Thailand.