Families in need of basic necessities, support to rebuild lives

(MissionNewswire) Months after the devastating 7.7 earthquake that struck Myanmar*, the emergency continues to impact people’s daily lives as they face destruction, poverty and insecurity. Salesian missionaries continue supporting the most vulnerable, and efforts have expanded to the creation of a long-term global aid plan to help people rebuild their lives.

“The population was already suffering from the political crisis, and now they face even more pain because of this natural catastrophe,’ said Father Don Bosco Nyi Nyi, superior of the Salesian Vice-Province of Myanmar. “The earthquake destroyed houses, schools, churches and health centers. Many displaced families had fled the armed clashes and were living in makeshift shelters, which also collapsed. Today, they continue to sleep on the ground, under plastic tarpaulins, in unhealthy conditions, while the rains make the situation worse.”

In Min Gun, a town about an hour’s drive from Sagaing, there are about 1,200 families living in a large camp, with each family living in a four-square meter hut. They came to this camp from seven villages because of the earthquake and political instability. Salesian missionaries have initiated a structured aid plan that focuses on education, nutrition, childcare, health and food assistance.

Fr. Nyi Nyi added that despite the many difficulties faced, the local community shows admirable courage. Volunteers, religious groups and aid workers do their utmost to assist everyone, even if the needs exceed the available resources.

Salesian missionaries indicated, “What the population needs now is long-term help. They need housing, clean water and sanitation. Children need to go back to school and teachers need support to resume teaching. Those who have lost their farms or small businesses need help to start again. Hospitals and clinics were already scarce in the worst affected areas and are now overcrowded or dilapidated. People with chronic injuries or illnesses suffer in silence. Many families have experienced war, displacement and now an earthquake. Their pain is deep.”

In response to the need, the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid has launched a new appeal to help people rebuild their lives, while Salesians across the globe continue to send relief to the country.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Myanmar – After the earthquake, Salesian missionaries strengthen their commitment to the neediest people

Salesians of Don Bosco – Myanmar

Salesian Missions – Myanmar

United Nations – Myanmar Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2024

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.