Jesuits and mission partners across Asia Pacific are urgently appealing for support following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March.
Jesuit Mission Australia has partnered with the Myanmar Emergency Response Church Initiative (MERCI) in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Mandalay and local church organisations to deliver life-saving aid. This includes critical food, water, shelter, hygiene, sanitation and medical equipment, and psychosocial support to those most impacted by the earthquake.
The earthquake has claimed over 3,000 lives, with thousands more injured or missing. In some cities, up to 80 percent of buildings and houses have been completely 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 collapsed and patients 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. The people of Myanmar have faced relentless challenges in recent years, and this disaster has only compounded their hardship,” said a Jesuit on the ground.
“Yet, amid the darkness, your love shines through…With your continued solidarity—through prayers, awareness, and aid—we can bring light to these shadows.”
Tragically, one of the young teachers from a Jesuit Mission-supported school in Yangon, the Campion Institute, lost her life as she was visiting Mandalay 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,” said Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission Australia.
Help us deliver urgent relief to those displaced by the earthquake.
Your support can provide meals to starving families, critical medical supplies for the injured, and safe shelter for those who have lost their homes.
You may donate to the Myanmar Earthquake Response at https://jesuitmission.org.au/donate-earthquake-myanmar/.
Alternatively, you may send your donations through the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific:
Account Name: Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific
Account Number: 300001300311
Bank Name: Eastwest Bank
Bank Address: Ciannat Complex, Marcos Highway, Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City 1870, Rizal, Philippines.
Swift Code: EWBCPHMM
Please send a copy of the transfer confirmation:
Fr Vidal Gornez Jr SJ (JCAP treasurer) at treasurer@jcapsj.org
Ms Denice Par (JCAP accountant ) at sec2@jcapsj.org.
