Chinese rescue teams deploy advanced equipment in Myanmar quake search

Chinese rescue teams, equipped with advanced search and rescue tools, have been racing against time to save lives in central Myanmar following the devastating 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck on Friday.

The death toll has risen to 2,886, with 4,639 injured and 373 still missing, according to Myanmar's State Administration Council information team on Wednesday.

At the severely damaged Sky Villa apartment in Mandalay City, the search and rescue team from China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) operated drones to survey the shifting debris from above and life detectors to scan for trapped individuals.

"Our 51-member team brought diverse rescue tools to Myanmar, including concrete breakers, cutting equipment, infrared displacement detectors, life detectors, and drones. By collaborating with China Search and Rescue Team and sharing resources, we aim to save as many survivors as possible," said Jiu Yu-gok, commander of the HK rescue team.

At the same site, China Search and Rescue Team deployed snake-eye life detectors, which provide visual confirmation and detect auditory cues. With the device, the team pulled out three survivors from collapsed Sky Villa on Monday. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ "We drilled holes into the debris and used an endoscope and a snake-eye [life detector] to scan inside, adjusting positions until we determined the survivor's location. The device also transmitted real-time video, giving us a clear view of their condition," said Bi Hongyi, squad leader of China Search and Rescue Team.

China International Search and Rescue Team (CISAR) mobilized its earthquake response vehicle to Mandalay, with 369 specialized tools to save lives.

This all-in-one vehicle integrates power supply, lighting, and leak detection systems, alongside detection, search, medical aid, and logistics functions.

"This vehicle drastically reduces equipment switchover time, boosting operational efficiency. It allows us to penetrate deeper into disaster zones without manual hauling of gear, making on-site rescues far more effective," said Han Zhenze, CISAR captain.

Chinese rescue teams deploy advanced equipment in Myanmar quake search

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Thursday presided over a State Council executive meeting that studied work on building a unified national market and reviewed and approved a plan for the development of a modern emergency response system during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

Noting that building a unified national market is essential to advancing high-quality development, the meeting called for deepening institutional frameworks in areas such as property rights protection, market access, fair competition, social credit and market exit mechanisms.

The meeting also urged efforts to advance high-standard connectivity of market infrastructure to facilitate smooth economic circulation and effectively reduce logistics costs across society.

Emergency management is critical to protecting people's lives and property, the meeting said. It called for accelerating the development of a modern emergency response system, deepening reform and innovation in emergency management, and improving coordinated response mechanisms.

Efforts should be made to strengthen risk prevention at the source, enhance monitoring, forecasting and early warning, and accelerate a shift in governance toward proactive prevention, according to the meeting.

A draft revision of the Law on the People's Bank of China was also discussed and approved in principle at the meeting, which decided to submit the draft to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress for deliberation.

Chinese premier chairs State Council executive meeting