Yangon (AsiaNews) – Earthquake victims have “a better understanding of the meaning of the universality of the Catholic Church” whose “primary mission is to promote the full meaning of human life,” Fr Stephen Ano told AsiaNews. He is the director of the Karuna Kengtung Social Service, a Myanmar-based Catholic social organisation that has been on a mission for the past few weeks in earthquake-hit areas. Meanwhile, Christians continue their work in areas hit by the 24 March earthquake in Shan state. “Our work for the displaced covers 3,250 people from 19 local villages,” the priest said.
The Karuna Kengtung Social Service (KKSS, the local Caritas) was the first NGO that implemented first aid and rescue initiatives for earthquake victims. Now it has moved to a second phase to overcome the emergency and offer long-term solutions. The second phase of the programme will focus on rehabilitation and will start at the end of May.
The situation remains critical, but the danger of cholera epidemics has been averted.
Speaking to AsiaNews, KKSS director Fr Stephen Ano said, “Our action has brought aid to 3,250 people from 19 different villages”.
Earthquake victims feel they have acquired a “better understanding of the meaning of the universality of the Catholic Church” whose “primary mission is to promote the full meaning of human life,”
Subsequently, he said, “We intend to start activities that will provide earthquake victims with the means to earn their sustenance” as well as “school education for children in the earthquake-affected areas.”
“Today people want a chance to support and educate themselves,” Fr Stephen said, so as to “be self-sufficient and plan for the future.”
According to official estimates, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that hit various areas of Shan state, along the Thai and Lao border, killed at least 75 people.
A government official said however that the death toll could top 100, this according to Red Cross officials, whose own figures put the number at 150 dead at least.
An accurate estimate is difficult to make because of the difficulties of reaching some of the affected areas and the controls imposed by Burmese authorities.
Official sources cited by Burmese state television report 244 homes, 9 government offices and 14 Buddhist monasteries destroyed. However, local sources in Tachilek report that at least 500 homes collapsed as a result of the quake.
Churches were also among the places of worship that reported damages. (DS)
