The Governments of the United States, Australia, India, and Japan have extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the people of Myanmar and Thailand following the devastating earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28.
The significant loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction of infrastructure has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar. In response, the Quad partners welcome recent commitments to temporary, partial ceasefires and urge all parties to implement, extend, and broaden these measures to create a safe environment for timely delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance throughout the country.
The international community has shown its support through various statements, including those from ASEAN Foreign Ministers on March 29 and 30. The Quad partners also welcome this support from ASEAN and countries in the region, which is providing critical aid to affected communities.
Through their combined efforts, the Quad partners have committed over $20 million in humanitarian assistance so far. This funding is being used to deliver relief supplies and deploy emergency medical teams to Myanmar. The Quad's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Partnership has established a coordination group that is working closely with other partners, including the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management.
The Quad's commitment to providing humanitarian assistance in response to natural disasters and regional challenges dates back to their efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Since then, they have provided practical and effective support to communities affected by disasters across the Indo-Pacific.
The Quad partners reaffirm their commitment to working together to address these challenges as part of their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.