Among continuous after-shocks, Catholics aid Shan earthquake victims
Yangon (AsiaNews) - Aftershocks, the rainy season and lack of labor force impede the work of assisting Burmese populations in Shan State, hit by an earthquake two months ago. The local branch of Caritas is active, among the first to intervene in the emergency and is preparing a long term rehabilitation program. The director Fr. Stephen Ano tells AsiaNews that "economic aid" is needed to fulfil all the plans and, "food and water” are still lacking. However, unlike in the past, the central government is working with NGOs and voluntary groups who have access to areas affected by earthquakes.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck areas in Shan State, Myanmar, along the border with Thailand and Laos on March 24 last. The earthquake killed at least 75 people and injured hundreds with thousands displaced. The first shock, has been followed by at least another 200 of after shocks, some of which reached 4 on the Richter scale.
The Catholic organization Karuna Kengtung Social Service (Kkss, the local Caritas) active in Myanmar, was the first NGO to assist with bare essentials and relief for the earthquake victims. The first phase will be followed by a second long-term initiative focused on "rehabilitation" of the more than 15 thousand displaced persons, which will start in the coming days. So far the cost of operations has reached 200 thousand dollars, of which only 90 thousand are covered by donations and aid. The total budget expenditure will reach almost 390 thousand dollars.
Meanwhile Kkss operators have drawn up a document which takes stock of the situation: the main obstacles arise from the continuous aftershocks, the labor shortage as well as a bad climate, characterized by heavy rain and wind. Meanwhile, Caritas has assisted over 780 families and 3,600 people by providing food, medical care through a mobile clinic that has reached more than a thousand people, and basic needs. Compared to other emergencies, such as Cyclone Nargis in May 2008, the government has not imposed strict censorship, rather it is accepting foreign aid and fostering a collaborative relationship. Among the most urgent needs, the reconstruction of water supplies in some villages. The work of Catholic volunteers has enabled the repair of five destroyed and one damaged rigs, but there are six more to restore.
The Kkss has provided building materials for the construction of relief centres for children and places of worship. In view of the opening of the school year, scheduled for June, all the schools have yet to be made safe, a task assumed by the central government, but many principals are asking the Catholic association for help for the base materials, including tables, chairs and textbooks. Added to this is the psychological support to victims of the earthquake, thanks to the work of six priests and the pastoral care of the Bishop of Kengtun, Mgr. Peter Louis, who has visited the area four times and encouraged the faithful.
Fr. Stephen Ano, Kkss director, tells AsiaNews that "we need economic assistance for reconstruction of houses collapsed or damaged by the earthquake." The priest adds that it is "necessary to ensure food" to the displaced and some kinds of basic shelter. As well as caring for material needs, Fr. Stephen has set up a series of activities such as films, children's games, sports and music lessons, through the purchase of instruments. (DS)
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