On the afternoon of April 9, the Prime Minister attended a ceremony honoring the officers and personnel of the Vietnam People's Army and Public Security Forces who participated in the international rescue operation in Myanmar and have since returned home after successfully completing their mission.

A powerful earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, causing severe loss of life and property.

In response, the Ministry of National Defense deployed 80 officers and professional soldiers led by Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Department of Rescue and Relief.

The Ministry of Public Security also dispatched a 26-member team, including two search-and-rescue dogs and modern equipment. This contingent was led by Colonel Nguyen Minh Khuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue.

The military team recovered 21 bodies and worked with Turkish rescuers to save a 26-year-old man from the rubble. Meanwhile, the public security team retrieved seven victims, located more, and supported international forces in rescue and handover operations to local authorities and families.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Chinh noted this was the third time Vietnam had sent forces abroad for humanitarian and disaster relief missions. Within 24 hours of the disaster, the Ministries of Defense and Public Security had mobilized personnel, vehicles, and equipment.

Despite the challenging terrain and dangerous conditions, Vietnamese forces quickly identified areas with trapped victims and coordinated with Myanmar authorities to conduct rescue operations effectively.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this operation exemplifies the heroism, growth, and professionalism of Vietnam’s military and police. It also reflects Vietnam’s compassionate nature and high sense of international responsibility.

He extended heartfelt commendations to the mission teams and relevant agencies for their coordinated support in logistics and organization.

Valuable lessons for future disaster response

The Prime Minister underlined that the rescue mission offers important lessons in deploying overseas operations and assessing Vietnam’s capabilities in responding to non-traditional security challenges.

Key takeaways include the importance of accurate situational awareness, timely response strategies, efficient mobilization of resources, and proactive preparation in logistics and personnel.

The Prime Minister also warned of increasingly complex and unpredictable non-traditional security threats, particularly natural disasters and climate-related events. This necessitates urgent and robust national readiness to ensure human security and public safety.

He called for enhanced public awareness and preparedness for disaster prevention, response, and recovery. He also urged effective implementation of civil defense strategies, natural disaster response plans, and climate change adaptation measures.

He emphasized further investment in disaster response capabilities, including professional search-and-rescue forces, as well as strengthening local on-site units.

Moreover, the Prime Minister stressed the need to promote research, technology transfer, and the application of science and technology to improve forecasting, early warning systems, and international cooperation in disaster response.

Government agencies are tasked with reviewing and upgrading existing response plans and conducting regular drills to ensure readiness.

Finally, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministries of Defense, Public Security, and Foreign Affairs to assess the operation, draw lessons, address shortcomings, and consider the best practices of international partners for future missions.

Tran Thuong & Pham Hai