With a global presence in over 132 countries, the Salesians of Don Bosco find themselves uniquely placed to enact a co-ordinated response to the global humanitarian emergencies. Working at the grassroots of communities, Salesians are well placed to provide direct aid and relief which is quick, compassionate and generous to those most in need. Currently we are raising funds to assist victims of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck the Mandalay, Myanmar Region on the 28th March.

The earthquake has brought widespread devastation, especially in Mandalay City where the Salesians have a house for 60 street children. Numerous high-rise buildings, pagodas, mosques and churches were reduced to rubble including the iconic Sagaing Bridge, spanning the famous Irrawaddy River, also suffered severe damage, with parts of the structure collapsing into the river.

Salesian Missions Australia, along with the global Salesian community, is responding to the disaster both on the ground in impacted communities and by working to raise funding to help those most in need.

The Salesian community in Mandalay was severely affected by the earthquake. The St. John Paul II Chapel suffered extensive damage, with its façade and parts of the walls collapsing. Tragically, two faithful were injured as well as a young boy. The building housing 60 street children and classrooms also sustained significant damage to its ceilings and walls. We will continue to assess the situation in Salesian centres and within the community.

In Anisakan, many buildings for Salesian missionaries and sisters with Daughters of Mary Help of Christians were impacted with widespread structural damage and St. Joseph Chapel in the Provincial House community suffered substantial cracks.

The Salesian communities, along with the local population, are struggling to respond to the urgent needs of those affected. However, Salesian communities remain steadfast in their commitment to serving the most vulnerable as they are perfectly positioned to respond in the immediate aftermath of this tragedy accompanying locals in the long-term rebuilding process. The Don Bosco-Myanmar community team extended a helping hand to the suffering victims in Mandalay by visiting displaced families, offering drinks, snacks, and much-needed support. There is a severe shortage of essential items such as mosquito nets, tarpaulins, umbrellas, mats, bed sheets, and pillows. Additionally, they are also providing electric power by running a generator, enabling the victims to charge their phones and lamps for the night.

The earthquake came at a time of great political instability in Myanmar, making humanitarian aid, transportation and communication extremely challenging. Despite these challenges, Salesians continue to bring hope and healing to those in need.

The newly appointed Salesian Rector Major Father Fabio Attard addressed the earthquake during the March 28 morning Chapter Assembly in Turin. He led the assembly in prayer and invited in Father Bosco Zeya Aung, provincial of Myanmar, to provide a brief about the situation. Fr. Attard also said that Salesians would immediately contribute to relief efforts for those affected.

How will the funds be used?
The funds will be used to provide relief support to the many requiring food, water, shelter, re-building and community programs to support those in great need. 

For further information please contact Mission Office Staff.
For further information, please contact the Salesian Missions Office 03 9377 6060 or salmiss@salesians.org.au

Please note that the Australian Salesian Missions Overseas Aid Fund (ASMOAF) is a registered fund owned and operated by the Salesian Society (Vic) Inc. It has Australian Taxation Office approval for tax deductibility for donations given for the relief of poverty in developing countries.