Cardinal Describes Myanmar Quake’s Impact: ‘330 Atomic Bombs’…

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo described Myanmar’s March 28 earthquake as equivalent to “330 atomic bombs” with over 3,500 dead. Despite the devastation, rescue teams have saved over 600 lives. The Catholic Church actively assists victims while calling for a ceasefire amid ongoing civil conflict. Bo emphasized the urgent need for water, medical care, and shelter, while expressing gratitude for international support, including that from Pope Francis.

In a despairing statement, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the Archbishop of Yangon, characterized the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar on March 28 as akin to the devastation caused by “330 atomic bombs.” The earthquake resulted in over 3,500 fatalities, nearly 5,000 injuries, and hundreds unaccounted for, evoking profound fears within the affected population. “People are very afraid and are exposed to the elements,” he stated, reflecting on the scale of destruction.

Rescue efforts have seen success, with more than 600 individuals rescued, especially in the severely affected regions. However, the complete toll of the disaster remains unclear, as many individuals are still missing. The quake struck at 12:50 p.m. local time, near Mandalay, and the local Catholic Church has been actively mobilizing to aid victims since the onset of the crisis. Cardinal Bo emphasized, “The Catholic Church is a wounded healer,” as many churches were damaged and thousands are displaced.

The Church’s involvement includes delivering essential resources such as water, food, and medical care, while also addressing the psychological ramifications of the disaster for the afflicted communities. Cardinal Bo has been vocal in calling for a ceasefire amidst ongoing civil conflict, urging all factions to prioritize humanitarian aid over military action. He remarked, “This is not the time to take up arms; it’s the time to take up first aid kits and treat people.”

As the country grapples with war and economic crisis, the cardinal lamented the difficulties faced in providing humanitarian assistance. He noted, “The conflict has inflicted a visceral wound on our people,” making it challenging to deliver timely help to those in need. The current conflict has caused significant displacement and has severely affected essential services.

Cardinal Bo highlighted the critical role of Caritas Internationalis, which is aiding the humanitarian response in Myanmar. He stated, “Caritas Internationalis has been our trusted partner throughout, training our people to deal with natural and man-made disasters.” The immediate needs include water, medical care, food, and shelter for the displaced.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Bo expressed gratitude for the support from the international Catholic community, particularly mentioning Pope Francis’s ongoing concern. He concluded, reiterating hope for recovery and support for the people in Myanmar.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo’s powerful descriptions of the recent earthquake in Myanmar underscore the severity of the crisis facing the nation. The local Catholic Church is actively engaged in offering humanitarian aid amidst ongoing civil unrest. The urgent needs for resources and psychological support remain paramount, with the Church and organizations like Caritas Internationalis playing critical roles. A plea for peace and a cessation of hostilities highlights the dire situation exacerbated by the recent disaster, as the nation seeks to recover and rebuild.

Original Source: www.catholicworldreport.com