From Myanmar to Afghanistan, passing through Albania, the active participation of the UAE Joint Operations Command and the UAE Search and Rescue team in rescuing and aiding victims of natural disasters has marked a significant milestone reflecting the UAE’s humanitarian, civilizational, and ethical approach.

Only a few hours separated the conclusion of the UAE specialized teams’ participation in Albania, when directives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, were issued for a team from the Joint Operations Command and the UAE Search and Rescue team to depart today, Wednesday, from the UAE to Afghanistan to begin search and rescue missions and support those affected by the earthquake that struck the eastern regions of the country.

Upon arrival, the team immediately began field assessment operations in coordination with local authorities to enhance the efficiency of search and rescue efforts, expand response scope, provide logistical and relief support to affected areas, and work to save as many lives as possible and recover survivors from under the rubble.

The UAE Search and Rescue team’s efforts coincide with the country’s humanitarian arm, the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, sending urgent humanitarian aid including essential relief materials, medical supplies, and shelter tents to support the affected, injured, and wounded, and to alleviate the disaster’s impact on afflicted families.

Afghanistan announced that the death toll from the earthquake that struck Kunar and Nangarhar provinces has risen to more than 1,000 dead and 2,800 injured.

Extinguishing Forest Fires in Albania

The UAE rescue team’s efforts in extinguishing forest fires in the Republic of Albania received great praise and recognition from the Albanian government, which expressed appreciation for the efforts of national forces and volunteers in enhancing security and confronting natural disasters and humanitarian crises. The team began its mission on August 12 in affected areas including the forests of Gramsh, Ballsh, and the coastal area of Vlora, among others, spending several weeks supported by qualified personnel, aircraft, equipment, and necessary firefighting materials. The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, Mohammed Al-Sharif, stated that during this mission, the team conducted 700 water drops equivalent to about 1,300 tons of water and extinguishing materials over 28 air sorties. He confirmed that the team’s prominent contributions in relief and humanitarian operations embody the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and the UAE’s leading role in international humanitarian work.

Myanmar Earthquake

On March 31, the UAE urgently dispatched the Search and Rescue team affiliated with Abu Dhabi Police, the National Guard, and the Joint Operations Command to support search and rescue efforts for those affected by the earthquake that struck the Republic of the Union of Myanmar with a magnitude of 7.7, causing massive destruction and tragic loss of lives.

During its mission, the UAE Search and Rescue team conducted search and rescue operations in six affected sites resulting from the earthquake, which caused thousands of casualties, missing persons, and injuries, in cooperation with relevant authorities in Myanmar and international teams.

The government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar honored the UAE Search and Rescue team in recognition of the great efforts made during the humanitarian and relief missions in the affected areas. The Minister of Social Affairs and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs praised the UAE’s prominent humanitarian role and its effective and rapid support to countries affected by natural disasters, confirming that the presence of the UAE team significantly contributed to saving lives and alleviating the suffering of the affected.

Alongside the Search and Rescue mission, the UAE sent urgent humanitarian aid to Myanmar at the end of March, including more than 200 tons of food supplies, shelter materials, and medical aid. Later, it sent over 167 metric tons of essential relief materials, including plastic sheets and necessary living equipment, to support nearly 80,000 people affected by the earthquake.

Earlier in January, the UAE provided aid to the friendly Republic of Chad, including 30,000 food baskets and more than 20,000 blankets to mitigate the impact of floods in several areas. The UAE also delivered 700 tons of urgent food supplies to those affected by floods that swept several regions in Somalia.

On September 1, the UAE announced urgent humanitarian aid to 960 families affected by floods that swept the western coast areas of Yemen.

The UAE continues its efforts to aid the Palestinian brothers in the Gaza Strip by delivering various forms of humanitarian and relief assistance by land, sea, and air.