Ambassador Ly Quoc Tuan: Devoted and Dedicated to Protecting Vietnamese Citizens in Aftermath of Earthquake in Myanmar
WVR - On April 2, Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar Ly Quoc Tuan shared with the World & Vietnam Report the embassy's efforts in citizen protection following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, which claimed thousands of lives and left many missing.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Myanmar Ly Quoc Tuan. (Photo: WVR) |
So far, no casualties reported among Vietnamese community
Regarding the lives and psychological state of the Vietnamese community in Myanmar, Ambassador Tuan shared that the epicenter was in the southern Sagaing region, 16 km from Mandalay, 640 km from Yangon, and 200 km north of Naypyidaw. This is the strongest earthquake to hit Myanmar in the past 100 years.
As of March 31, Myanmar authorities reported approximately 1,700 fatalities in the affected areas. The number of casualties is expected to rise in the coming weeks. The historic earthquake has caused severe damage to lives, houses, roads, bridges, temples, and schools. However, local authorities have not yet released specific figures on infrastructure losses.
Assessing situation of the Vietnamese community is the top priority in such disasters. By the afternoon of March 28, the Embassy promptly contacted Vietnamese citizens across six regions most affected by the earthquake.
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| Ambassador Ly Quoc Tuan handed over relief supplies on March 30. (Photo: Vietnam Embassy in Myanmar) |
Vietnamese enterprises, including Telecom International Myanmar (Mytel), StreamNet, Viettel Construction (VCM) and branches in various states and regions such as Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Magway, Bago, Shan, ect, have reported no casualties or injuries among their employees as of April 1, 2025.
Additionally, 680 Vietnamese citizens in the border area between Myanmar and Thailand experienced mild aftershocks but remained unharmed. Some businesses in Mandalay sustained minor structural damage, including cracked walls and collapsed fences. Mytel’s telecommunications infrastructure, such as transmission towers and cables, suffered the most significant impact.
A group of nine Vietnamese tourists who were traveling independently in Mandalay safely returned to Yangon on March 30.
Overall, this major earthquake has not had an immediate impact on the security and safety of Vietnamese citizens and businesses in Myanmar, said Ambassador Tuan.
Swift and Effective Response by the Embassy in disaster
The Ambassador highlighted measures implemented to support Vietnamese community affected by earthquake.
Firstly, the Embassy closely monitored and regularly updated information on the status of the Vietnamese community and businesses, including the 680 Vietnamese citizens currently detained in Myawaddy, near the Thai border. A repatriation proposal has been formally submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Secondly, the Embassy disseminated earthquake-related information to the community, providing updates and reminding individuals and organizations to prioritize safety and protect their assets during this difficult time.
Thirdly, the Embassy promptly reported the disaster to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities in Vietnam.
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| Ambassador Ly Quoc Tuan and the Vietnamese delegation arrived in Myanmar to provide earthquake relief. (Photo: Vietnam Embassy in Myanmar) |
On March 29, the Embassy issued an advisory urging Vietnamese citizens and businesses in Myanmar to avoid areas experiencing aftershocks to ensure their safety. This advisory was communicated via phone calls on March 29 and followed up with a formal written notice on March 30 for better accessibility.
Additionally, the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued recommendations regarding travel to Myanmar.
Given the severe impact of the earthquake on the affected regions, the Embassy strongly advise Vietnamese citizens and businesses in Myanmar to remain calm, prioritize safety in travel and daily activities, and avoid areas declared under emergency status by local authorities. Individuals and organizations in Vietnam should refrain from traveling to Myanmar for leisure or tourism at this time unless required for official purposes.
Embassy’s efforts in implementing citizen protection measures
Ambassador Tuan shared his experiences regarding the Embassy’s efforts in implementing citizen protection measures.
According to Ambassador Tuan, the devastating earthquake has inflicted immense damage and hardship upon Myanmar and its people. As Vietnamese diplomats stationed in a country facing multiple adversities, the Embassy staff and officials remain steadfast in their mission. Guided by the policies of the Party and State, the directives of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, and the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy continues to coordinate closely with relevant authorities in Vietnam to ensure the well-being of Vietnamese citizens and businesses in Myanmar.
Since 2020, Myanmar has witnessed three major events significantly impacting the country, the diplomatic corps, and the Embassy: the COVID-19 pandemic, political changes, and now a major natural disaster, Ambassador Tuan noted.
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| Embassy officials assist Vietnamese citizens in Kayin, Myanmar, to complete repatriation procedures. (Photo: Vietnam Embassy in Myanmar) |
Beyond the Embassy’s core political and diplomatic duties, citizen protection has always been a central focus of the mission. The Embassy has consistently approached this responsibility with utmost dedication, ensuring the safety and rights of Vietnamese citizens and businesses.
The Embassy’s efforts in citizen protection are reflected in tangible outcomes: the evacuation of 1,962 citizens stranded during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, the urgent and safe repatriation of 1,399 citizens caught in the conflict in Laukkai, Shan State, in 2023, and the ongoing coordinated efforts to repatriate 680 individuals currently detained in Kayin State, on the Myanmar-Thailand border.
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| From right: First Secretary Nguyen Cong Son and First Secretary Nguyen Xuan Loc of the Vietnamese Embassy in Myanmar meet with local authorities regarding the Vietnamese citizens detained in Kayin State, Myanmar, on March 27, 2025. (Photo: Vietnam Embassy in Myanmar) |
Over the years, the Embassy has closely monitored the community’s situation, promptly addressing emerging challenges. “We have actively safeguarded national interests, corporate interests, and the lawful rights of our citizens while handling legal issues with diligence and responsibility. In times of crisis, Embassy has responded swiftly and effectively”, the Ambassador noted.
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