By Victoria Cardiel
Vatican City, Apr 8, 2025 / 13:44 pm
The archbishop of Yangon in Myanmar, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, vividly described the devastating impact of the March 28 7.7-magnitude earthquake, likening it to the destructive force of “330 atomic bombs” detonating simultaneously.
“People are very afraid and are exposed to the elements. A powerful earthquake, with an energy similar to that which would have been caused by the fall of 330 atomic bombs, struck our innocent people,” the prelate told ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner.
“The catastrophe brought apocalyptic scenes and experiences,” he added, highlighting the desperation of those still searching for loved ones buried under the debris.
Despite the devastation, there have been glimmers of hope. Rescue teams, including international aid, have managed to save over 600 people trapped in the rubble, particularly in the most severely affected areas where the situation is dire.
The earthquake, which occurred at 12:50 p.m. local time with its epicenter near Mandalay, has left many bodies yet to be recovered, underscoring the magnitude of the tragedy.
The local Catholic Church, although also impacted by the disaster, has been actively involved in providing aid and support to the victims. Cardinal Bo emphasized, “The Catholic Church is a wounded healer.”
“Many of our parishes and churches have been severely impacted. In other parishes, thousands of people are living out in the open. We are moving quickly with our pastoral concerns, providing water, medicine, food, and shelter to save lives,” he stated.
The Church, through its commitment to the population, aims to alleviate the psychological impact of the tragedy on the affected communities. Religious members are on the ground, providing compassionate accompaniment to those in need.
The president of the Myanmar Bishops’ Conference has also urged for a ceasefire in a country engulfed in civil war following a military coup in 2021.
‘This is not the time to take up arms’
Amidst the conflict, the president emphasized the need for all parties to respect the ceasefire and prioritize humanitarian efforts over violence. Unfortunately, this call has not been heeded.
The ongoing war has resulted in the forced displacement of thousands and has significantly hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid due to economic collapse and inflation.
The Catholic Church stands firm in its stance against war, emphasizing the need for peace and unity during this challenging time.
The continued fighting has created obstacles in providing aid to those in need, further exacerbating the existing challenges faced by the population.
Despite the adversities, the Church remains committed to supporting the affected communities and advocating for peace and stability in the region.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter to stay updated on the latest news and developments.
