WALKING WITH THE EXCLUDED
By Zach Martorana, Jesuit Mission Australia
Jesuit Mission Australia (JMA) has launched an urgent appeal to support people affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar last Friday. JMA has partnered with local church organisations to deliver life-saving aid. This includes critical food, water, shelter, hygiene, sanitation, medical equipment, and psychosocial support for those most impacted by the earthquake.
All images supplied by Jesuit Mission Australia.
The earthquake has claimed more than 3,000 lives, with thousands more injured or missing. In some cities, 80% of buildings and houses have been destroyed. This disaster adds to the country’s already fragile state – exacerbated by ongoing political violence, economic collapse, and recent floods – that have collectively displaced more than 3.5 million people.
Access to clean water and electricity is limited in many regions. Infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has been severely damaged, making aid delivery difficult. Three hospitals have been crushed and people are being treated outdoors, on the streets. Healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, and the risk of waterborne diseases is high.
Tragically, one of the young teachers from a Jesuit Mission-supported school in Yangon, the Campion Institute, lost her life as she was visiting Mandalay when the earthquake destroyed her accommodation.
“Let us hold the people of Myanmar in our hearts and prayers, that they may find strength, comfort and hope in this darkest hour,” said Helen Forde, CEO of Jesuit Mission Australia.
As reported in the article In solidarity with Myanmar, published on the Jesuits.Global website three days after the earthquake, Fr Girish Santiago, SJ (pictured below, surveying the damage) the Regional Superior of Myanmar, wrote: “The devastating earthquake is the latest in a relentless series of tragedies – COVID, the coup, economic collapse, conscription laws, floods, and now this. The suffering is unimaginable, with countless displaced internally and as refugees. Myanmar has never been more vulnerable.
“Yet, amid the darkness, your love shines through. Your messages, prayers, and support – via calls, emails, and social media – have been a lifeline. Thank you. But the crisis is far from over. We still need you.
“I’ve begun traveling to assess the damage first-hand. After a gruelling journey from Yangon, I arrived in Taungoo, one of the affected areas. Tomorrow, I head to Mandalay, another devastated zone. The scenes are heartbreaking: no electricity, scarce water, overcrowded shelters. Even Bishop John Gawdy’s room at Leiktho Minor Seminary bears the scars of this disaster.
“But hope remains. With your continued solidarity – through prayers, awareness, and aid – we can bring light to these shadows. Keep Myanmar in your hearts.”
Donate to JMA’s Myanmar Earthquake Response or call 02 8918 4109.
Read ‘In solidarity with Myanmar’ on the Jesuits.Global website