Jesuit Mission Australia is urgently appealing for support to help people affected by the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28.
Partnering with Myanmar Emergency Response Church Initiative (MERCI), Jesuit Mission Australia is working with local partners, the Mandalay Archdiocese and local Church organisations to provide critical food, water, shelter, hygiene, sanitation and medical equipment, and psychosocial support to those most impacted by the earthquake.
The earthquake has claimed more than 3000 lives, with thousands more injured or missing. In some cities, at least 80 per cent of buildings and houses are totally destroyed. This disaster adds to the country’s already fragile state, exacerbated by ongoing political violence, economic collapse, and recent floods, that have collectively displaced over 3.5 million people.
Access to clean water and electricity is limited in many regions, and infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has been severely damaged, making aid delivery difficult.
Three hospitals have been crushed and people are being treated on the streets. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, and the risk of waterborne diseases is high.
“The situation is dire, and the suffering is unimaginable,” said a Jesuit on the ground.
“The people of Myanmar have faced relentless challenges in recent years, and this disaster has only compounded their hardship.
“Yet, amid the darkness, your love shines through … With your continued solidarity – through prayers, awareness, and aid – we can bring light to these shadows.”
A young teacher visiting Mandalay from a Jesuit Mission-supported school in Yangon, the Campion Institute, was killed when the earthquake destroyed her accommodation.
“Let us hold the people of Myanmar in our hearts and prayers, that they may find strength, comfort, and hope in this darkest hour,” Helen Forde, chief executive of Jesuit Mission Australia, said.
Jesuit Mission Australia is committed to uplifting the people of Myanmar in the wake of this devastating crisis. Details: Jesuit Mission Myanmar earthquake appeal.
FULL STORY
Urgent aid needed for Myanmar Earthquake survivors (Jesuit Mission)
