Churches in Asia appealed for aid for the victims of the deadly earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, triggering widespread devastation in the region.
According to the latest figures released Thursday by the country’s military-led government, the death toll has risen to 3,145.
Authorities said at least 4,589 people have been injured, and 221 remain missing. Search and rescue operations continue nearly a week after the disaster, while humanitarian organizations rush to deliver emergency medical aid and shelter to affected communities.
In Thailand, the Vatican Embassy has called on all “brothers and sisters” to donate essential supplies for the victims.
Donations can be made at the embassy in Bangkok from April 3 to 4 and April 7 to 10 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Suggested items include tents, bedding, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, soap, toothbrushes, kitchenware, plastic flooring sheets, blankets, dry foods, home medicine, drinking water containers, mosquito nets, and portable solar lamps.
The Apostolic Nunciature to Thailand can be contacted at 02-212-5853 during regular business hours for more information.
Caritas Japan has launched a donation drive to support relief operations. Contributions may be made through postal transfer to the Catholic Central Council of Japan, Caritas Japan, using the account number 00170-5-95979.
Donors are asked to indicate “Myanmar Earthquake” on the form, and for online or bank transfers, to include the intention number “6262” after the sender’s name.
All collected funds will go to aid relief efforts in the affected areas, with any surplus redirected to other humanitarian work in Myanmar.
In Hong Kong, Cardinal Stephen Chow, S.J., has appealed for solidarity with the victims through prayers and financial support.
The Diocese of Hong Kong has instructed all parishes to take up a second collection during Mass on April 6. Funds collected will be sent to Caritas-Hong Kong, with the instruction to write “Emergency Response to Myanmar Earthquake” on the back of crossed cheques payable to “Caritas–Hong Kong.”
Donations can also be made via direct bank-in to ICBC (Asia) or HSBC accounts under Caritas-Hong Kong, or through the Caritas-Hong Kong online donation portal.
All collected funds will be forwarded to Caritas Internationalis, which will distribute the aid in the earthquake zones.
