THE APOCALYPSE IN MYANMAR
A gentle people crushed under the weight of war and rubble

Hours of anxiety
On March 28, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated Myanmar and was felt in neighboring countries as well. Our first thoughts went immediately to our partners in Thailand, just across the border. Fortunately, they are all safe, and no major damage has been reported beyond the collapse of a high-rise in Bangkok.

An emergency within an emergency
The situation in former Burma, already strained by war and previous floods, is far more severe: 4,521 people were injured, 441 are missing, and the number of confirmed deaths stands at 2,719, expected to rise above 3,000, according to the country’s military leader, Min Aung Hlaing. Houses, schools, and temples have collapsed, but not only that: in areas with sandy, loose soil, the ground has literally liquefied, unable to support buildings or roads, and is sinking or tilting dangerously. This phenomenon is caused by seismic vibrations increasing the water pressure between soil particles, breaking the contact between solid grains.

First news and waiting for the green light
After days of silence, on the night of April 1, we received news from villages around Mandalay, one of the hardest-hit cities. Everything has been destroyed, but not the hope of this resilient people.

Together with our Camillian partners in Thailand, we are planning an intervention to support the displaced populations. Just yesterday, April 3, we were informed that CADIS Thailand (Camillian Disaster International Service) managed to contact Caritas Myanmar (Karuna Mission Social Solidarity – KMSS) to assess the damage and plan possible interventions in the epicenter areas and surroundings: Mandalay, Sagaing, Naypyidaw, South Shan, and Bago.

KMSS will act as the local contact for CADIS Thailand and for us at PRO.SA, with the goal of sending concrete aid to the displaced populations. Survivors urgently need temporary shelters, food, water, and medicine, which are delayed due to the current political situation. The biggest obstacle is accessing the earthquake-affected areas. According to government protocols, volunteers and humanitarian organizations have not yet been granted permission to enter the country. However, Caritas Myanmar, through the Catholic Church, is trying to facilitate entry and the delivery of aid. CADIS Thailand is on the front line ready to act.

More information is expected next week. Meanwhile, PRO.SA and CADIS Thailand have launched a fundraising campaign to provide immediate support to the displaced populations. We remain in constant contact with CADIS and partners in Myanmar for daily updates and hope to start helping as soon as possible.

If you would like to contribute, you can do so via bank transfer to:

Fondazione per la Promozione Umana e la Salute – PRO.SA ETS
IBAN: IT 68 J 02008 01600 000102346939
Reason for payment: Myanmar Earthquake

Or via online donation:

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