ABOUT 17 million people are in urgent need of aid after the earthquake in Myanmar, which killed at least 3600 people (News, 4 April) — although the real death toll may never be known, owing to the inaccessibility of some areas and the continuing civil war.
International rescue teams have now flown home, and efforts are now focused on recovering bodies and providing aid and cash assistance to the millions who lost everything in the devastating 7.7-magnitude quake two weeks ago. Heavy rains have complicated efforts.
The UK Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for Myanmar has raised more than £10 million in three days, which includes a “generous donation” from the King and Queen. The DEC includes several faith-based NGOs.
CAFOD is working with religious leaders who are supporting people on the ground in affected areas. The Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, said: “The scale of the suffering is deeply distressing.”
Tearfund’s local partner in Myanmar said that, despite the trauma and devastation, “we are seeing incredible acts of solidarity among the people. Neighbours are helping each other. Volunteers are stepping in to provide first aid, comfort the grieving, and care for children who have been separated from their families.”
The Archbishop of Myanmar, the Most Revd Than Myint Oo, visited Mandalay, where the epicentre of the earthquake was located, and called for support for people trying to rebuild their homes and places of worship: “So many churches were ruined . . . so many lives are lost, but it is not easy to rebuild, we need your prayer and your support.”
Myanmar’s ruling military junta had promised a 20-day ceasefire, but its air strikes on rebel-held areas have continued. Ethnic militias and resistance forces have been in a civil war with the junta since it took power in a coup in 2021. As a result millions of people were already displaced and in need before the earthquake.
