By Matters India Reporter
Yangon, March 31, 2025: Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, head of the Catholic Church in Myanmar has made urgent call for ceasefire to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian assistance to victims of a devastating earthquake that hit the country.
At least 1,644 people were killed in Myanmar, according to official death toll cited by the state-run MRTV broadcaster on March 30. Another 3,408 people were injured and 130 others were still missing.
In the wake of continued bombardment by military hampering facilitation of humanitarian relief to the earthquake victims, the Salesian cardinal appealed for, “an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire by all parties involved in the conflict to ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of essential humanitarian aid by local and international supporters.”
“Such a ceasefire is imperative to address the immediate need for food, medical supplies, shelter, and protection for those affected by both the earthquake and the prolonged conflict,” Cardinal Bo, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, explained on March 30.
Two days earlier, the 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the war-torn Myanmar and neighboring Thailand.
The U.S. Geological Survey issued a red alert, estimating that fatalities could range further. This tragic event has further exacerbated the profound multi-dimensional humanitarian crisis already gripping Myanmar, where, as per the UN estimate, nearly 20 million people, including 6.3 million children, are in dire need of assistance.
“The Catholic Church affirmed its unwavering support for the affected people and sent out condolences to families that lost their dear ones,” wrote the cardinal endorsing Pope Francis message of solidarity.
The United Nations and several countries including India have mobilized resources to support the affected populations, acknowledging Myanmar as the most severely impacted nation in this crisis.
The world community has shown its solidarity through its concerned response providing with the life-saving needs of food, medicine, and shelter.