The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) rescue team returned home on April 9 after completing a challenging mission in Myanmar's earthquake-stricken areas. A welcoming ceremony was held at HK International Airport, attended by Chief Executive John Lee, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan, and Secretary for Security Chris Tang.
Commander Cheu Yu-kok explained that the rescue operation began immediately after the earthquake. Within 15 minutes, the Fire Services Department finalized a list of 41 personnel, and a 51-member rescue team was formed in just 10 hours.
The rescue team was the sixth to arrive in Mandalay, one of the worst-hit areas, and collaborated with the national rescue team to assess the situation. Despite damaged roads, collapsed buildings, and unstable communications, the team utilized satellite phones during the research operation, a lesson learned from their previous mission in Turkey.
The rescue mission was fraught with difficulties. Cheu noted that the team endured four aftershocks, scorching daytime temperatures of up to 40°C, and nighttime temperatures of 30°C, which led to severe physical exhaustion. Some collapsed structures contained asbestos, requiring team members to wear masks in the heat.
To combat these challenges, the team brought ice machines for cooling and mosquito nets to protect against the dengue fever outbreak and severe mosquito infestations in the area. Despite measures, some members experienced extreme fatigue and dehydration but recovered after resting.
The team conducted 468 rescue deployments, working with the national rescue team on five occasions. One notable success involved rescuing a 52-year-old Burmese man trapped in a collapsed hotel. Using life detection equipment, they located the survivor and worked tirelessly to extract him. The man was treated at a hospital and has since been discharged.
Cheu emphasized that the team adopted a rapid search model to preserve energy by deploying smaller groups initially and increasing manpower as needed. Compared to their Turkey mission, the Myanmar operation achieved faster mobilization and greater coordination.
Wilson Wong, the Security Bureau's Emergency Support Unit officer, recalled the bureau's swift action to deploy the rescue team. Due to disrupted flight schedules, a chartered flight was arranged, making the HK rescue team one of the fastest to arrive in Myanmar. The bureau also operated a 24-hour support center to provide real-time updates and assistance to the team on the ground.
The rescue team's return was celebrated at the airport, where Commander Cheu expressed gratitude to government departments, team members, and their families for their unwavering support.
The team is set to resume regular duties on April 14.
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