CNA—Following the March 28 earthquake that struck Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and China, Cardinal Charles Bo, president of the Myanmar Bishops’ Conference, said the people of the Asian country now “need everything,” including peace to end the civil war. Vivid description of dire situation after earthquake “The people need food, shelter, medicine and all lifesaving materials,” said Bo, the archbishop of Yangon, in an interview with Vatican News following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar that has so far left more than 2,000 dead and thousands more injured. In addition, in many places there is no electricity or internet, and the health system has collapsed. “More than anything, our people need peace, not the churning anxiety triggered by the multidimensional crisis,” emphasized the cardinal, who was traveling in his car when the earthquake struck: “We saw huge craters created on the road … It was a scary moment for all of us.” Ceasefire of country's civil war imperative, says Cardinal, NOW! Bo said he saw “poignant scenes of men and women rushing through the roads, seeking safety,” adding that he has “appealed to all concerned for urgent humanitarian support and unimpeded access to the affected people. I have made an earnest appeal for the ceasefire by all the groups in hostility” in the country’s civil war. The cardinal’s main concern is the distribution of aid, which, due to the violence, “could be hindered with the disturbances of the armed groups.” The MERCI response protocol In response to the earthquake, Bo said he called for an urgent meeting and formed a response protocol named MERCI (Myanmar Earthquake Response...
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