The military contingent comprises 82 officers and servicemen, led by Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Department of Search and Rescue under the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army.
The deployment includes a 31-member urban search-and-rescue engineering team equipped with advanced rescue equipment such as victim detection systems for collapsed structures, hydraulic cutters and spreaders, lifting equipment, and concrete drilling and cutting tools. A 30-member military medical team is carrying medical equipment, medicines and supplies, and a 10-member search team has 8 specially trained rescue dogs.
The delegation is transporting 88 tons of humanitarian supplies, including 50 tons of emergency food rations, 1,600 tents, and 15 electric generators. The humanitarian and disaster relief mission is expected to last 20 days.
Drawing on extensive experience from previous international rescue operations, Major General Pham Van Ty said: "Our canine search team will locate survivors and detect bodies trapped beneath collapsed structures before handing over the sites to our engineering units and local rescue forces. The engineering team will employ advanced imaging, acoustic detection systems, and through-wall radar technology, which proved highly effective during earthquake rescue missions in Turkey and Myanmar."
"We are also deploying a fully equipped military medical unit to provide emergency treatment, medical examinations, and free healthcare services for local residents as well as personnel participating in the rescue operation," said Mr. Ty.
This is the third time the Vietnam People's Army has deployed personnel and equipment overseas for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission. Many members of the current contingent previously participated in earthquake response operations in Turkey in 2023 and Myanmar in 2025, earning widespread appreciation from the international community for their professionalism and dedication.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, said: "I urge all comrades to fully understand the importance of this mission, strengthen your determination, uphold discipline, unity and initiative, overcome every difficulty, and successfully accomplish the important task entrusted to you by the Party, the State and the Army."
Meanwhile, the rescue and relief team from the Vietnam People's Public Security Force includes 42 members, who are equipped with specialized rescue vehicles, victim detection equipment, medical supplies, and the logistical support necessary to carry out its mission.
