Singapore stands in solidarity with those affected by Myanmar quake: PM Wong
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People near the site of a collapsed building that was under construction in Bangkok, after a strong earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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SINGAPORE - Singapore stands in solidarity with those affected by the powerful earthquake that struck Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand on March 28, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to offer assistance where needed,” he said in a Facebook post late on March 28, as he extended his deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
“In times of crisis, Asean’s strength lies in our unity and shared commitment to supporting one another.”
Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in a Facebook post that there have been no reports of Singaporeans injured in the earthquake.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has reached out to e-registered Singaporeans in Myanmar and Thailand to render any necessary consular assistance, he said.
A travel advisory urging Singaporeans to defer all travel to Myanmar is also currently in place, he added.
The MFA conveyed its condolences and sympathies to those affected in a statement, adding that the Singapore Government stands ready to extend its assistance.
The ministry said that the Singapore Civil Defence Force is prepared to deploy the Operation Lionheart contingent to help with urban search and rescue operations, as well as disaster relief efforts, in Myanmar, in coordination with the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.
The 7.7-magnitude quake
It struck Myanmar’s north-western city of Sagaing, with a 6.4-magnitude aftershock hitting the same area minutes later.
Singaporeans in the Thai capital of Bangkok said they rushed out of high-rise buildings after feeling tremors, as some recounted scenes of people running to open areas
The Singapore embassy in Yangon issued a safety advisory on Facebook after the quake, noting that several major cities in Myanmar, including Mandalay and Naypyitaw, were affected.
It urged Singaporeans in Myanmar to stay alert to their environment, as damaged buildings and infrastructure may pose safety hazards.
“They should be vigilant, monitor local news for updates, and heed the advice of the local authorities,” it added.
The Singapore embassy in Bangkok similarly advised Singaporeans in Thailand to remain vigilant, adding that tremors have been felt in several parts of the country.
Singaporeans who are in or travelling to Myanmar or Thailand are strongly encouraged to e-register with MFA and purchase comprehensive travel insurance if they have not done so, MFA said.
Singaporeans in Myanmar who are in need of consular assistance can contact the embassy on +95-1-9-559-001 or via e-mail at singemb_ygn@mfa.sg
For assistance outside of office hours, the embassy can be reached on +95-9-250-863-840.
Those in Thailand who require consular assistance can contact the embassy on +66-2-348-6700 or singemb_bkk@mfa.sg
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs duty office, which is available round the clock, can also be contacted on 6379-8800 or 6379-8855, or via e-mail at mfa_duty_officer@mfa.gov.sg
