HK rescuers recall 'moving' moment in Myanmar quake relief

The commander of the government-dispatched search and rescue team in Myanmar recalled it was "profoundly moving" when the team successfully rescued a man who had been trapped for over 125 hours.

Speaking on a radio program on Sunday, the team members shared that during the successful rescue, many residents and government officials erupted in applause. 

The rescue members recalled that as they made their way back to the base, residents expressed their gratitude by filming them with their phones and thanking them for their efforts.

Chief of Service of Accident and Emergency at Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals Axel Siu Yuet-chung, also a rescue member, said that although he was working at the base and could not witness the moment of the rescue firsthand, it was incredibly challenging for the team to successfully save the trapped individual, especially given the high temperatures and other obstacles. 

He expressed that the emotions of the moment were difficult to put into words. 

The SAR rescue team, led by Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Services Department Cheu Yu-kok, departed for Myanmar on the afternoon of March 29 and returned to Hong Kong on April 9 after completing its mission in the earthquake-stricken areas.

Cheu noted that the majority of the team consisted of firefighters. Upon receiving the notification, they were able to locate 41 firefighters within 15 minutes and coordinated with various department heads, including those from the Hospital Authority, ultimately forming a 51-strong team within 10 hours.

He expressed gratitude to the families of the team members, noting that some colleagues had just welcomed newborns but did not hesitate to embark on the mission.

Government Security Officer Wong Kwok-kee, also a team member, stated that when he learned about the need to assist in disaster relief in Myanmar, he did not think twice and immediately began coordinating efforts across departments. 

(Cheng Wong)