Hong Kong rescuers sent to earthquake-stricken Myanmar and an interdepartmental preparation team that handled the opening of the city’s largest sports facility will receive a high-level award that recognises civil servants for meritorious work, according to the chief executive.

Announcing the results of the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance on Tuesday, city leader John Lee Ka-chiu said the two teams had reflected the outstanding capabilities of civil servants and government efficiency.

The 51-strong rescue team and two search dogs were sent to Myanmar in March after the magnitude 7.7 quake that devastated parts of the Southeast Asian nation. The earthquake led to over 3,600 deaths in the country.

The team conducted a total of 61 search and rescue operations at 57 locations in the disaster area, and successfully rescued survivors who had been trapped for more than 125 hours in a joint operation with the national rescue team, Lee said.

He also noted that members had faced a severe environment in the affected areas, including aftershocks, traffic and communication interruptions, high temperatures of over 40 degrees for days, and severe mosquito infestations.

“[The rescue team] fully demonstrates tenacity, professional ability and team spirit,” Lee said.