SINGAPORE: The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) team, consisting of 80 members, is set to return home on April 8 after their vital search and rescue mission in Myanmar, which was devastated by a powerful earthquake on March 28.

The earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, struck near Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, resulting in a staggering death toll of over 3,400, with hundreds still unaccounted for. The aftereffects of such a disaster have left countless families shattered and in dire need of assistance.

In a Facebook update shared on April 7, the SCDF announced their return scheduled for the afternoon of April 8. During their mission, they provided crucial support to the Myanmar Fire Services Department (MFSD) by distributing essential supplies, including tents, canned food, and ready-to-eat meals.

Additionally, the SCDF donated two tents to the Naypyidaw Women's Hospital and five tents, along with medical supplies and medicine, to Naypyidaw General Hospital. “It is hoped that these supplies will continue to help the relief and recovery efforts as the people of Myanmar work to rebuild their community,” the SCDF expressed in their update.

As part of the operation's closure, the team participated in a traditional "keluar baris," or “fall out,” ceremony, marking the end of their impactful mission. They were part of Operation Lionheart, which was initiated just one day after the earthquake.

The SCDF team comprised highly skilled personnel from its elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART), which included operational National Servicemen, medical doctors, paramedics, search specialists accompanied by trained rescue dogs, and hazardous materials experts. While working in Naypyidaw, one of the hardest-hit areas, the team successfully rescued a man trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building.

Significantly, a battery-operated hydraulic cutter, essential in the successful rescue operation, was presented by team leader Colonel Tay Zhi Wei to the MFSD's director general. This cutter symbolizes the deep friendship and collaboration between the SCDF and MFSD and is expected to continue playing a vital role in future life-saving efforts.

With the SCDF team returning home, Myanmar still has a long road to recovery ahead. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the international community remains on alert, ready to provide further support in rebuilding the lives affected by this catastrophic event.