On Tuesday (30 September), it was reported that a 6.9-magnitude earthquake shook the province of Cebu, Philippines, killing at least 69 people and injuring more than 150.
Following this, Malaysia has decided to provide assistance in rescue efforts by offering a Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), a rescue task force established under the National Security Department, to the Philippines.
Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee, Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, took to his Facebook page to share his solace over the disaster.
He wrote, “I express my deepest sympathy to the people of the Philippines following the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Cebu province late last night. This powerful tremor has claimed dozens of lives, injured hundreds of victims and affected the lives of millions of people in the affected region.”
“Initial reports indicate very serious infrastructure damage, including partial collapse and damage to residential and commercial buildings. In fact, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, a historic structure that is hundreds of years old, also suffered partial collapse.”
He added that the estimated value of the damages has reached USD45.7 billion (~RM192.26 billion).
Malaysia can assist in rescue efforts if needed
Zahid Hamidi went on to announce that Malaysia is ready to help rescue victims of the earthquake by sending SMART.
“In this regard, as a neighbouring country in ASEAN, Malaysia is ready to send a SMART team to carry out a humanitarian assistance mission to the Philippines if there is a request or need,”
“As Chairman of the Central Disaster Management Committee, I see this step as a way to demonstrate Malaysia’s commitment to ASEAN regional solidarity and to ensure that humanitarian aid can be mobilised immediately to save lives and restore the lives of disaster victims in the country,” he explained.
He ended his post by requesting that everyone pray for the well-being of the victims of the earthquake.
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