Cover image via Pasukan Mencari Dan Menyelamat Khas Malaysia (Facebook)
The Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART) has successfully rescued a man who had been trapped under rubble for six days following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar
In a statement on Facebook yesterday, 2 April, the MAS-01 team reported that they worked alongside local rescuers, using specialised equipment and expertise to safely extract the victim from the debris of a collapsed hotel building.
"The surrounding conditions were hazardous, as a second collapse could occur at any moment," the statement read.
The survivor, a 47-year-old man, was pulled out at 2.27pm yesterday, six days after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar's Sagaing region.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi described the rescue as nothing short of a miracle, given that the victim had been trapped for over 72 hours
"I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to the SMART personnel who sacrificed time with their families during Aidilfitri to carry out this humanitarian mission.
"Their dedication is deeply valued and reflects Malaysia's commitment to assisting the international community in times of crisis," he said in a Facebook post yesterday.
He added that the victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment, and that the SMART team also recovered the bodies of six victims who perished in the disaster.
According to the New Straits Times, the earthquake has claimed nearly 3,000 lives so far, with many more still trapped or missing.
On behalf of the Malaysian government, Zahid also conveyed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy
"May they find strength and resilience during this incredibly difficult time," he said.
He also assured that the Malaysian government would continue monitoring the situation and that the National Disaster Management Agency, along with other relevant agencies, would provide necessary aid as needed.
The SMART team's Facebook post has since received an outpouring of gratitude from Myanmar citizens, thanking the rescuers for their efforts
Image via Facebook
