Generator allows community to connect with family members

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Don Bosco Myanmar* are working to support people impacted by the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. While their centers in Mandalay suffered damage, Salesians were responding to community needs in the immediate aftermath offering much-needed support.

A Salesian explained, “While attempting to cross the Sagaing Bridge over the River Irrawaddy, our team was unable to proceed further due to restrictions. However, this did not deter our mission to serve. By meeting with those impacted, we discovered that while many groups were providing rice boxes for daily meals, there was a severe shortage of essential items such as mosquito nets, tarpaulins, umbrellas, mats, bed sheets and pillows. The scorching heat further added to the challenges faced by the victims.”

Salesians provided electric power by running a generator, enabling people to charge their phones and lamps for the night. One of the community members expressed gratitude, saying, “It is the first time that we received free power to recharge our phones and connect with our families.”

Salesians offered drinks and snacks to people who were impacted, as well as ice cream for the children to enjoy.

The Salesian added, “The team felt deeply fulfilled, witnessing the joy and relief they brought to people. Their presence not only eased some of the material hardships but also provided emotional comfort and hope during a time of great difficulty. We will continue to assess needs and respond with the relief we can.”

The earthquake rattled much of Southeast Asia, impacting as far away as Bangkok, Thailand where it flattened a skyscraper that was under construction. More than 2,000 people have died and 3,000 people have been injured, according to reports from the military government. However, there are questions on the scale of the disaster given the challenges of getting information out of Myanmar.

Salesians around the globe have been mobilizing to send relief to Salesians living and working in Myanmar to help those most in need. Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, is one of the organizations. To give to the special Myanmar Earthquake Fund, visit https://salesianmissions.org/myanmar-earthquake/.

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Sources:

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

ANS – Myanmar – Reaching Out to Earthquake Victims in Myanmar: A Gesture of Compassion

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.