Lao army personnel board a plane home after assisting with rescue efforts following the earthquake in Myanmar.

Lao army team completes earthquake relief mission in Myanmar

A team from the Lao People’s Army returned to Laos on Tuesday after providing medical supplies and assisting with the treatment of earthquake victims in Myanmar.
The team was led by the Deputy Director of the Office of the General Staff of the Army Disaster Management Committee under the Ministry of National Defence, and Coordinator of the Central Disaster Management Committee, Colonel Patthana Bouttichak.
The group of 33 Lao army personnel flew to Myanmar on March 31 to help with rescue and recovery operations in the wake of the earthquake.
The group consisted of 13 firefighters, 11 soldiers, and other support personnel. After arriving at Naypyidaw Airport, the delegation travelled to Mandalay, which suffered the greatest damage in the earthquake, to assist with search and rescue operations.
On behalf of the Lao People’s Army, Colonel Patthana and the team delivered eight pieces of medical equipment and medicines worth more than 29 million kip to the district hospital in Mandalay.
The team also helped with efforts to treat people who were injured in the earthquake, assisting hospital doctors, and supported other aspects of the recovery effort at several locations.
Before returning to Vientiane, the Lao People’s Army’s earthquake relief team also donated tables, chairs, tents, field equipment and other supplies worth 252 million kip to Myanmar authorities, as well as 3 tonnes of rice.
The Lao government has donated consumer goods, other supplies and cash worth a total of 4.5 billion kip (US$200,000) to the government of Myanmar to assist with earthquake relief efforts.
Laos’ contribution to the relief effort has helped to alleviate the suffering of the victims while also reinforcing the bonds of friendship and solidarity between the peoples of Laos and Myanmar.

ByTimes Reporters
 (Latest Update April 10, 2025)