Assessing the Aftermath: Fr. Girish Santiago’s Mission in the Wake of Myanmar’s Earthquake
As the death toll from Myanmar’s recent devastating earthquake continues to rise, Fr. Girish Santiago, the Jesuit Regional Superior, is on the ground in the Mandalay area, assessing the damage and the Church’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance.
By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, LiCAS News
Urgent rescue operations are currently underway in Myanmar and neighboring Thailand as the clock ticks to save those still trapped beneath the rubble following a catastrophic earthquake.
The death toll has reached a staggering 3,085, with 341 individuals still missing and over 4,700 injured, as reported by Myanmar’s military-led government on Thursday.
Tragically, among the victims were 50 children and two teachers who lost their lives when their preschool near Mandalay collapsed, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The situation in the hardest-hit areas is dire, with communities struggling to access clean water, sanitation, and emergency aid.
The streets of Myanmar’s second-largest city are now filled with the stench of decaying bodies as residents work tirelessly to clear debris in the hopes of finding survivors.
Emergency response teams, including international aid groups, are working against the clock to provide life-saving assistance to those in need.
Fr. Girish Santiago, SJ, the Jesuit Regional Superior of Myanmar, arrived in Mandalay on Monday evening after a grueling ten-hour journey.
He wasted no time in visiting Archbishop Marco Tin Win at his residence, where they experienced tremors during dinner, forcing them to seek safety outside.
Despite ongoing aftershocks in Mandalay and central Myanmar, Fr. Santiago remains committed to offering solace and support to those affected by the disaster.
Despite the devastation, faith remains unwavering, as Fr. Santiago and Archbishop Marco Tin Win found solace in celebrating the Eucharist in an open space in front of the heavily damaged bishop’s house.
Traveling by motorcycle, Fr. Santiago has been visiting victims across Mandalay, witnessing firsthand the heartbreaking situation faced by both rich and poor individuals forced to build shelters on the roadside.
While the devastation is undeniable, there are glimmers of hope as aid groups stress the urgent need for food, clean water, medicine, and shelter for displaced communities.
In the midst of tragedy, the Servite Sisters’ convent and St. Anthony Church, both severely damaged, continue to provide meals and support to those in need.
The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, has caused widespread destruction, with ancient pagodas, modern buildings, and critical infrastructure reduced to rubble.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to support those affected in Myanmar.
As Myanmar and the wider region grapple with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, humanitarian groups continue to rally resources, while survivors cling to hope amid the ruins.
This article was originally published on LiCAS News. All rights reserved. Unauthorized republication by third parties is not permitted.
