ASEAN has expressed readiness to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar and Thailand, after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, with tremors reaching many parts of Thailand.
In a press statement issued on Friday, ASEAN said it stands ready to support relief and recovery efforts, through the deployment of the ASEAN-Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT), the use of the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) and support from Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).
Appropriate assistance will be provided based on priorities identified by each country. Myanmar and Thailand are among ten member states of ASEAN.
The quake has led to loss of life, injuries and widespread damage, particularly in Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
The 10-member regional bloc has pledged to ensure a timely and effective response, with the help of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.
