Taiwan has placed a major international rescue team on full standby following the deadly earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March.
As of 29 March, 126 trained personnel, six search dogs, and 15 tonnes of specialised equipment are ready for rapid deployment, pending approval from Myanmar and Thailand.
The mobilisation comes amid differing assessments of the earthquake’s magnitude. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) registered it as a 7.7-magnitude event centred near Mandalay, while the Thai Meteorological Department recorded it as a significantly stronger 8.2-magnitude quake.
Such discrepancies are not uncommon, as seismic agencies may use different models or update readings based on evolving data.
Nonetheless, the impact has been devastating, with Myanmar confirming at least 1,000 deaths and over 2,300 injuries. Tremors were felt across northern Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of China.
In response, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency (NFA) rapidly initiated rescue preparations.
Within hours of the earthquake, on the afternoon of 28 March, its Special Search and Rescue Team was joined by personnel from Pingtung and Taoyuan, the current rotation counties responsible for international aid support.
By 3.30pm, a combined force of 126 rescuers — including five doctors, one veterinarian, and seven nurses — had assembled at the Fire Agency’s base in Zhushan, Nantou.
Six search canines were deployed, and equipment was staged for immediate dispatch.
Cities outside the rotation roster also signalled readiness. Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an confirmed that Taipei had contacted sister cities Yangon and Bangkok, offering support.
He added that the city is fully prepared to mobilise if requested by the central authorities.
“Once the Fire Agency gives the signal, we are ready to move,” said Chiang.
New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi echoed this, stating that 51 personnel and canine teams are prepped and waiting for national-level coordination.
Fire Agency Deputy Commander Huang Bo-tsun confirmed that both first- and second-tier county search and rescue teams had been notified and have completed disaster response preparations.
Despite Taiwan’s swift coordination, Myanmar and Thailand have not yet formally requested Taiwan’s assistance.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) stated that both countries are still evaluating their capacity to receive international teams, citing logistical and infrastructure constraints.
MOFA said it had informed both governments of Taiwan’s willingness to assist immediately.
It also noted that while Myanmar has issued general calls for international help, it has not yet responded to Taiwan’s specific offer. Coordination with Myanmar’s ambassador is ongoing.
As of midday on 29 March, the NFA reported that 20 countries had placed rescue teams on standby for Myanmar.
Only Russia and Singapore have formally deployed teams.
Taiwan’s NFA noted that its overseas humanitarian efforts must also be balanced with national readiness.
“We must maintain basic domestic rescue capability even as we prepare to support international missions,” it said.
Humanitarian support organisations, including the Tzu Chi Foundation and the Disaster Relief Foundation, have been notified to assist with logistics and coordination should deployment be authorised.
The earthquake’s epicentre was in central Myanmar, near Mandalay, which experienced some of the most extensive damage. A strong 6.4-magnitude aftershock and multiple smaller tremors have added to the risk for survivors and responders alike.
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