MYANMAR: Salesians provide ongoing aid for people impacted by earthquake
Ongoing strife in country slows aid
MYANMAR
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries are continuing to respond to the needs of people impacted by the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Mandalay, Myanmar* on March 28. More than 3,500 people have died and 3,000 people are 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. With ongoing civil strife in the country, aid has been slow.
On April, 2 Myanmar authorities announced a three-week ceasefire to facilitate rescue and relief operations. However, clashes reportedly continued between government forces of the military junta, which has ruled the country since a 2021 coup, and rebel groups in the Sagaing region.
Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, a Salesian of Don Bosco and Archbishop of Yangon, immediately called on the military junta to implement a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach affected areas.
“Today, I urge everyone to give peace a chance. Our people have suffered immensely. Peace is possible — peace is the only way,” Cardinal Bo stated.
Thanks to its vast network of parishes and dioceses, the Catholic Church is uniquely positioned to support relief efforts. Salesian missionaries live among the communities where they work.
The Church launched an emergency response protocol called MERCI – Myanmar Earthquake Response Church Initiative. The Diocese of Mandalay will be the first to receive aid, followed by others impacted. The relief will include community outreach, using local networks to spread information and emotional support, and using church structures as temporary shelters for displaced people; food distribution and medical care, provided through Church-run clinics or mobile units; and psychological and spiritual support, led by Catholic religious sisters, offering comfort and resilience.
When asked about aid entering the country, Cardinal Bo explained, “We believe that human vulnerability can bring people together and eliminate hatred. I have urged everyone to respect the ceasefire during this urgent humanitarian crisis. Remember — Myanmar already has more than 3 million internally displaced people due to conflict. The earthquake has disrupted the lives of another million. Altogether, nearly 15 million people have been directly or indirectly affected.”
Cardinal Bo explained that the military is working to help. He noted, “They have appealed to the international community for assistance. They have allowed many countries to stand by the people — this is a positive step. It seems they have accepted a ceasefire, at least for a month. These are good signs. But we call for a long-term solution grounded in justice, to ensure the full recovery of the population. This devastating natural disaster could become a turning point for peace and reconciliation in Myanmar.”
While some Salesian structures were impacted by the earthquake, Salesians in local programs are responding to the needs of the people with the aid they have available. Salesian communities will remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the most vulnerable.
To give to the special the Salesian Missions 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)
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.
