On the 28th of March, a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck the Mandalay region of Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and bringing untold hardship to local communities. The effects have been particularly crushing in Mandalay City, where the Salesians have a house for 60 street children. The earthquake has leveled numerous high-rise buildings, pagodas, mosques, and churches, including the iconic Sagaing Bridge, which collapsed into the Irrawaddy River.
Reports from the field indicate that the Salesian community in Mandalay has been severely impacted. The building housing the Salesian community, including the children’s home and classrooms, suffered extensive damage. Tragically, two faithful and a young boy were injured in the collapse of parts of the building. The building is now unsafe, and the 60 street children and staff have been forced to sleep in the adjacent fields.
The local Salesian team, along with the community, is struggling to meet the overwhelming needs of the affected people. In this context, the Salesians continue to serve the most vulnerable, providing immediate assistance to displaced families by offering food, water, and essential supplies such as mosquito nets, tarpaulins, and bedding. They are also providing power through generators, allowing families to charge their phones and lamps at night.
The situation in Myanmar is compounded by political instability, which has made humanitarian aid, transportation, and communication particularly difficult. Nevertheless, the Salesians remain unwavering in their mission to offer hope and practical support to those suffering in the aftermath of this disaster.
In the wake of this catastrophe, Salesian Missions Australia, alongside the global Salesian community, is responding swiftly to provide aid to those in urgent need. We are reaching out today to ask for your support in these challenging times. Your help will be critical in assisting those affected by this disaster.
Your generosity will provide much-needed relief to the suffering victims and support the long-term rebuilding efforts. On behalf of the Salesian community and those we serve, we thank you for your compassion and kindness during this challenging time.
Dear Salesians and Friends,
I’m sure you are all aware of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria that has devastated thousands of lives this week.
The Salesians have been active in Aleppo, Syria, since the beginning of the war – almost 12 years ago, and are now moving quickly to mobilise support for those affected by the Earthquake which struck overnight on February 5-6.
Fr. Alejandro Leon shared that in Aleppo, one of the hardest hit areas, that thankfully the Salesian’s buildings had only suffered minor damage and that families had taken refuge in the Salesian house, arriving with only the clothes on their backs from their homes already affected by the war – the Salesian house is seen as place of safety.
Local Salesians have shared that while they come to terms with the reality and put in place a proposal for systematic support to occur, already many people have started gathering in the Salesian house in Damascus to support their neighbours, bringing food, clothes and other basic needs to be sent to those taking shelter with the Salesians in Aleppo. The Salesians on the ground are also working to find ways for Syrians living abroad to support efforts in Aleppo.
The Salesians have lept into action to all they can for the suvivors of the devistation
I just wanted to update you on the Salesian response effort that has commenced. The Salesians have decided as a congregation to concentrate on the area’s in Syria where they are present and that have been impacted mainly Aleppo, Kafroun and Damascus. Fr Alejandro with the support of the PDO are currently assessing the needs and the intervention required.
Not all areas have been impacted as greatly as Aleppo however together they are all co-ordinating the relief effort. As you can imagine they are facing numerous issues to an area that has already been impacted through war including sourcing goods and supplies but with the help of the Salesians in Europe they will be working through these challengers.
We are inspired by the brave words of Zeina Chahoud, an youth animator with the Salesiansin Aleppo
“”After the earthquake, hundreds of people went to the oratory fearing new tremors and damage, by evening there were about 450 people, half of them are children and elderly. Everyone tried to give a hand, helping with the distribution of blankets, food, drinks. The animators spent all day and night comforting and standing beside so many frightened children. No one spoke of anything else beside the earthquake, sharing their fears, but being with the Salesians gave hope and comfort to everyone who were there. “
Already the Salesians in the affected communites around Syria are doing so much to help the people who are in need of it most. With your support, they will be able to reach so many more with life-saving emergency rations, medical supplies, warm clothing and blankets.
We share our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have already contributed or enquired how they may support the relief effort, it has already been a source of great hope for those responsible for co-ordinating the relief effort within Syria
