INTERNATIONAL: Quad Commits $20 Million for Myanmar Earthquake Relief
Humanitarian Lifeline from Indo-Pacific Powers
In a strong show of regional solidarity, the Quad nations—Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—have pledged over $20 million in humanitarian aid to support earthquake-hit Myanmar.
The aid will be channeled through coordinated relief efforts aimed at saving lives and rebuilding devastated communities.
Emergency Aid and Medical Support Mobilized
The assistance package includes the deployment of emergency medical teams, delivery of essential relief supplies, and robust support for humanitarian partners already operating on the ground.
The Quad is also facilitating logistics and coordination to ensure the swift and efficient distribution of resources.
Unified Message of Sympathy and Solidarity
In a joint statement released Friday, the four nations expressed deep condolences to the people of Myanmar and neighboring Thailand, both of which suffered casualties and severe infrastructure damage from the March 28 earthquake.
The death toll has exceeded 3,000, with thousands more injured and displaced.
Call for Ceasefire to Enable Aid Access
The Quad also welcomed recent commitments to temporary and partial ceasefires in Myanmar.
It urged all parties involved in the ongoing conflict to implement and broaden these measures, ensuring unhindered access to humanitarian assistance across affected regions.
ASEAN’s Role Recognized
The statement acknowledged the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ declarations from March 29 and 30, praising the organization’s support and the regional response.
The Quad emphasized collaboration with ASEAN mechanisms to reach impacted populations efficiently.
Humanitarian Coordination Taskforce Set Up
To streamline efforts, the Quad’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Partnership has established a coordination group.
This team is working closely with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) to synchronize regional response operations.
Decades of Disaster Relief Experience
Reaffirming its commitment to disaster response, the Quad highlighted its long-standing track record of cooperation since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
This current effort reflects their shared mission for a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific.
Focus on Regional Stability and Humanitarian Values
The grouping reiterated that responding jointly to natural disasters is integral to their broader goals of promoting regional peace, stability, and human dignity.
This operation not only delivers relief but also strengthens long-term ties in the Indo-Pacific.