The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pledged urgent humanitarian assistance to Myanmar and Thailand following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on Friday. The regional bloc has affirmed its commitment to supporting relief and recovery efforts, signaling a coordinated regional response to the unfolding crisis.
ASEAN foreign ministers issued a statement on Saturday emphasizing the “urgent need” for assistance. The bloc stands ready to deploy its ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) and to activate its disaster emergency logistics system. ASEAN also announced plans to provide urban search and rescue support based on the priorities identified by both Myanmar and Thailand.
The earthquake has resulted in severe devastation, particularly in Myanmar, where the ruling military junta confirmed that at least 1,002 people have died, with more than 2,376 injured. The impact of the earthquake extended beyond Myanmar’s borders, with fatalities reported in Thailand, where a 30-story building under construction collapsed in Bangkok, killing at least 10 people.
The quake’s epicenter was northwest of Sagaing, a major city in central Myanmar. A powerful aftershock measuring 6.7 in magnitude followed shortly after, compounding the destruction. The tremors were felt in major cities such as Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and as far as Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
In response, Myanmar’s military-led government has made a rare appeal for international aid. The junta declared a state of emergency in the affected regions, which include Sagaing, Mandalay, Magway, Bago, Eastern Shan State, and the capital, Naypyidaw. Similarly, Thailand has declared a state of emergency in Bangkok to manage the crisis effectively.
ASEAN’s humanitarian efforts will be managed through its Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). The AHA Centre will serve as a hub for organizing relief operations to ensure a timely and effective response.
Malaysia, which currently holds the ASEAN chairmanship for 2025, was among the first nations to respond. On Saturday, it dispatched a 10-member team from its National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to Myanmar to assess the situation on the ground. Based on their preliminary findings, Malaysia announced it would deploy an additional 40 personnel on Sunday to focus on the most pressing needs.
“This larger team will focus on addressing priority areas identified during the initial assessment, ensuring that Malaysia’s assistance remains targeted, relevant, and responsive to the evolving situation,” Malaysia’s foreign ministry stated.
Several Southeast Asian leaders have expressed condolences and solidarity with the affected populations. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended his sympathies to the victims and their families.
“On behalf of Malaysia, I extend our deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones, and our prayers go to those injured and displaced,” Anwar said in a social media statement on Friday.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto echoed these sentiments, reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to supporting the recovery efforts.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of both countries during this difficult time,” Prabowo posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Indonesia stands ready to provide all necessary support for recovery efforts in the affected areas.”
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong also joined the chorus of condolences, pledging Singapore’s support in any way possible to assist relief operations.
ASEAN’s response will be complemented by international humanitarian organizations and aid agencies. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has signaled its willingness to provide emergency relief assistance. Additionally, non-governmental organizations such as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have already mobilized emergency teams to assist survivors.
As Myanmar reels from the destruction, reports indicate that emergency medical aid, food supplies, and temporary shelter are among the most critical needs. Given the significant damage to infrastructure, rescue efforts have been hampered by blocked roads and disrupted communication networks. In Thailand, emergency services are working to assess structural integrity in affected areas, particularly in Bangkok, where high-rise buildings swayed during the earthquake.
While Myanmar’s rare request for international aid signals the severity of the crisis, the country’s complex political situation presents challenges to aid distribution. The ongoing conflict between the military junta and various ethnic armed groups raises concerns about the accessibility of humanitarian assistance. Aid organizations have called for assurances that relief efforts will reach those most in need without political interference.
The United Nations has urged all parties to prioritize humanitarian access. A UN spokesperson stressed the importance of ensuring aid reaches civilians in both government-controlled and conflict-affected areas.
“We urge Myanmar’s authorities to facilitate unhindered humanitarian access to all affected communities, regardless of their location,” the UN stated in an official release.
As rescue operations enter their second day, local and international teams are racing against time to find survivors. The use of sniffer dogs, drones, and specialized equipment is being coordinated to locate those trapped under debris.
Medical teams have been deployed to treat the injured, and emergency shelters have been established to accommodate the displaced. Relief workers are particularly concerned about aftershocks, which could further destabilize weakened structures and pose additional risks.
Meanwhile, Thailand’s authorities are working to restore public safety in Bangkok, where rescue efforts are underway at the collapsed construction site. Engineers and safety inspectors have been deployed to assess potential risks in other high-rise buildings throughout the city.
The earthquake underscores the importance of ASEAN’s disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Over the past decade, ASEAN has strengthened its disaster management framework, establishing rapid response teams and enhancing coordination among member states.
The bloc’s proactive approach to humanitarian crises has been demonstrated through past responses to typhoons, floods, and earthquakes. However, the scale of the Myanmar-Thailand earthquake presents a significant test of ASEAN’s ability to mount an effective and coordinated response.
As ASEAN mobilizes its emergency response, regional cooperation will be key in ensuring that aid reaches those in need swiftly and efficiently. The coming days will be critical in determining the success of these efforts and in mitigating the long-term impact of the disaster.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand has led to immense devastation and loss of life. As the region grapples with the aftermath, ASEAN and its member states are stepping up their efforts to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief. While challenges remain, particularly in Myanmar’s conflict-affected regions, the collective response from ASEAN and the international community offers a glimmer of hope for those affected.
