Singapore – Singaporean rescue and technology teams dispatched to aid recovery efforts following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28th have returned to Singapore after completing their mission.

The 80-member "Operation Lionheart" contingent from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), along with four personnel from the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) and Klass Engineering, arrived at Changi Airport Terminal 3 at approximately 4:00 PM on April 8th.

They were warmly welcomed by Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, K. Shanmugam, and Minister of State for Home Affairs and Ministry of National Development, Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim.

Minister Shanmugam expressed his gratitude for the dedication of the rescue team members, highlighting that 13 of the SCDF personnel involved in this operation were National Servicemen (NSmen) who had completed their active duty – the largest number ever to participate in an overseas disaster relief operation.

He stated, "Thinking of the many people in Myanmar who are suffering, you carried out your duties bravely despite the significant risks of aftershocks, the challenging terrain, and the threat of collapsed buildings."

He further added, "In such dangerous circumstances, you saved precious lives," and mentioned that the SCDF has now participated in a total of 21 overseas disaster relief operations.

Notably, families of the 48 Muslim SCDF personnel who were deployed to Naypyidaw before the Hari Raya Puasa festival on March 31st were present at the airport to welcome their return.

The swift and dedicated efforts of the SCDF and HTX rescue teams in this operation are seen as another demonstration of Singapore's disaster response capabilities and humanitarian spirit on the international stage.