How Asean’s humanitarian centre played a vital role after Myanmar earthquake

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The March 28 earthquake – one of the deadliest in Myanmar’s history – killed more than 3,600 people and injured some 5,000.

PHOTO: AFP

Summary

• Following the Myanmar earthquake, communication breakdown hampered aid efforts, contrary to initial reports of refusal to update. AHA Centre restored connectivity for aid coordination.
• AHA Centre prioritises rapid response and coordination, bridging national authorities and international responders. It also addresses responder mental health.
• AHA Centres operations are ASEAN-centric, requiring member state agreement. It expands focus to disaster prevention and preparedness, beyond emergency response.

AI generated

SINGAPORE – With the critical 72-hour window to rescue earthquake victims closing quickly, Mr Lee Yam Ming and his team wasted no time when they touched down in Myanmar in late March.

But the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) executive director and his people did not rush to lift rubble or search for survivors of the

7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mandalay on March 28

Their priority was to restore communications, as the devastation had knocked out phone, internet and satellite networks across the affected regions.

Mr Lee, who is a Singaporean, said that was a critical first step as, without connectivity, Myanmar’s disaster agency could neither coordinate internally nor seek help from Asean, the United Nations and other aid groups.

His team used portable terminals to bypass damaged ground infrastructure and set up satellite links, allowing officials and rescue workers to resume internet connection and make calls.

“This is a real issue during an earthquake...