SINGAPORE: In a tragic development following last week's catastrophic earthquake in Myanmar, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has successfully recovered a body from the devastated remains of a collapsed hotel in Naypyidaw. This significant operation is part of their continuous search and rescue mission amidst one of the region’s most severe natural disasters in recent history.

On Sunday, April 6, the SCDF provided updates via Facebook regarding their relentless efforts in Ottara Thiri Township, the very heart of the quake's impact. The joint task force, dubbed Operation Lionheart, conducted a thorough risk assessment in conjunction with the Myanmar Earthquake Relief Contingent from Vietnam before launching into search operations.

"The intense search efforts led to a discovery beneath layers of concrete and steel," the SCDF reported. The dedicated team, in collaboration with BARSANAS – Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency – managed to recover the body, highlighting the urgency and challenges faced during the operation.

The September earthquake, which measured a staggering magnitude of 7.7, has been recorded as Myanmar’s deadliest seismic event in a century. The toll has exceeded 3,400 fatalities, and with over 4,600 injuries reported, the aftermath has left hundreds still unaccounted for amidst the rubble.

In addition to the recovery operations, the SCDF contingent has also established medical support outposts in Pyokkon and Dhakhinna Thiri Townships to assist local residents grappling with the disaster's repercussions. The first of these outposts was set up in a monastery in Pyokkon, while another was established in the open grounds of a hotel in Dhakhinna Thiri Township.

Healthcare professionals from the SCDF, alongside local rescuers, have delivered essential care including wound treatment and have addressed urgent health issues, such as dizziness and musculoskeletal injuries commonly incurred during the frantic efforts to escape the quake’s destruction.

So far, the Operation Lionheart team has scoured 26 designated sites and rendered medical aid to approximately 130 local residents impacted by the catastrophe.

In other news related to the caustic situation, Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development, Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, recently engaged with the SCDF contingent via a virtual call from the SCDF headquarters in Singapore. He expressed profound appreciation for the team’s brave and selfless contributions in their mission to aid those affected by this monumental disaster.

With their compassionate and diligent efforts underway, hopes for a positive resolution remain despite the overwhelming challenges presented by the quake’s devastation. As the SCDF team continues its mission, the nation watches with heavy hearts, eager for their safe return.