The Southeast-Asian nation of Myanmar is currently facing one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent years, as millions of people, who were already fleeing from prolonged civil war, are now fleeing further into conflict zones due to a recent 7.7 magnitude earthquake that decimated the country. Combat started between Myanmar’s ruling military junta and the People’s Defence Forces (PDF) on May 5th, 2021, which has since had disastrous effects on the civilian population of the country, forcing many to evacuate from frequent battlegrounds that have fractured Myanmar. Their suffering has only been exacerbated by the recent earthquakes, making the need for humanitarian assistance more dire.

The civil war in Myanmar has displaced 1.6 million people within the country, and according to United Nations statistics, an estimated additional 16 million people are in need of aid. Additionally, with the shutdown of the United States’ Agency for International Development (USAID) in January 2025, the gaps in funding have increased dramatically. Over 100,000 refugees lost access to essential health services. Mothers with newborns were turned away from hospitals, those afflicted with chronic conditions only received a week’s supply of medicine, and losses due to lack of medicine increased dramatically. On March 28th, 2025, the central regions of Myanmar, including the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw and the second largest city Mandalay, were rocked by a 7.7 and 6.8 magnitude earthquake that caused 5,352 losses and injured 11,366 people. This disaster worsened the already strained supply of humanitarian aid in Myanmar as more people required basic, yet scarce, necessities like food, water, medicine and shelter. Education has also been hit critically, as the earthquake left behind a trail of devastation where over 2,500 learning centres were left in rubble.

Since the disasters in March, the military government of Myanmar declared a state of emergency in the affected regions, and with the PDF, agreed to a ceasefire until June 30th, but due to the tense political climate and constraints on aid, necessary supplies like medicine are still very difficult to import into the country. This crisis is weighing heavily on families, as many people are forced to sleep on the streets due to their homes and businesses either being destroyed, or too unstable to live in at risk of collapse.

The Salesians of Don Bosco have been present in Myanmar since 1939, where they first arrived in the city of Mandalay and settled in the village of Anisakan. After gaining independence from the British government in 1948, a coup in 1962 greatly hindered the work of the Salesians in the country as the new regime expelled many missionaries. But, through their perseverance Salesians have maintained a presence throughout Myanmar through: a boarding house in Kalay Myo, a youth centre in Mandalay, a parish in Myitkyina and technical education institutions in Yangon, Myitkyina, Anisakan, Pyin Oo Lwin, Kalay Myo and Thibaw. Their primary focus is providing educational support for at-risk youth, supportive programmes for those inflicted with addiction, and medical support for the sick.

The Salesian community in Mandalay was, unfortunately, severely affected by the earthquakes on March 28th. The St. John Paul II Chapel suffered extensive damage, with the façade and walls having collapsed. The boarding house that provides shelter for homeless children also suffered extensive damage causing the building to be unfit for habitation. The confreres’ quarters too were not spared from damage, as damage to the walls and falling debris caused two faithful and one boy to be injured.

Salesians in neighboring Anisakan also felt the tremors of the earthquake, as the St. Joseph Chapel, and other religious buildings of the Salesians of Don Bosco and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, retained widespread structural damage.

Though the Salesians were not immune to the damage caused by this natural disaster, they were the first responders in assisting those who lost their homes, businesses and jobs. Since March 28th, the Salesians ventured into villages and towns that were previously unreached by international aid workers and the government of Myanmar to provide families with food, water and medicine. They have also started a nutrition programme that has supported 300 children in need of meals. As many families in the region have lost their careers, schools and homes to the earthquake, the Salesians assisted them with relief through reconstruction materials, scholarships and hiring teachers to reach rural communities. The Salesians of Don Bosco are making a heartfelt appeal for support from individuals, corporations, and humanitarian organizations to help sustain critical programs serving the most vulnerable, especially children. This urgent call to action aims to bring relief to communities devastated by natural disasters and long-standing civil conflict. Immediate international response is essential. Together, through compassion and solidarity, we can provide lifesaving aid and hope to the people of Myanmar. Your support can make a profound difference.