The social action and humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church in Korea has provided emergency relief funds amounting to USD 100,000 to assist Myanmar following the devastating earthquake that struck the country.
In a statement, Caritas Korea said the funds “will be used for relief work for earthquake victims through Caritas Myanmar.”
Fundraising for the emergency response began on April 1, with donations being channeled to aid communities most affected by the disaster.
Caritas Korea also participated in an emergency video conference on April 2 hosted by Caritas Internationalis, the global confederation of Catholic relief organizations.
During the meeting, member organizations shared assessments of the damage and laid the groundwork for long-term recovery support initiatives in Myanmar.
The UN has estimated that the earthquake has impacted 20 million people, or roughly 40 percent of Myanmar’s total population.
Initial figures reported over 2,000 deaths and 4,000 injuries, but as of Sunday, state media in the military junta-led country report that the death toll has climbed to 3,471, with 4,671 injured and 214 still missing.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), weather conditions are further complicating recovery efforts.
On Saturday, “around 45 minutes of heavy rain and winds lashed tent cities” in Mandalay, one of the hardest-hit areas. ]
Many survivors have been sleeping outside in makeshift shelters or tents, but a shortage of tarpaulins has left them vulnerable to rain and extreme heat.
“The weather is very extreme,” Tun Tun, a UNDP program specialist, told Agence France-Presse, warning of increased health risks due to rain and high temperatures.
In a video message filmed in Mandalay and shared on social media, UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher emphasized the urgent need for “food, water, and power repairs,” and described the destruction as “epic.”
He added, “We need to get tents and hope to survivors as they rebuild their shattered lives.”
Caritas Internationalis, in its call for global support, said: “Currently, food, safe housing, water, and sanitation support are urgently needed.”
The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar has made relief efforts even more challenging. Despite the disaster, the ruling junta has continued military operations, with the UN reporting at least 16 attacks since the government’s temporary ceasefire announcement last week.
Damage from four years of civil war has already devastated infrastructure and displaced 3.5 million people.
Caritas Korea, a full member of Caritas Internationalis headquartered in the Holy See, collaborates with 162 member organizations and bishops’ conferences globally.
It supports an average of 40 overseas aid projects annually, backed by approximately 4.6 billion won in donations and offerings, especially during Overseas Aid Sunday.
The organization has also opened a special fundraising account for those wishing to contribute to the Myanmar relief effort:
Woori Bank 1005-701-443328 – Caritas Korea.
Inquiries: 02-2279-9204.
