Christian charities have formed part of a £10 million emergency donations drive to support those devastated by the Myanmar earthquake.
CAFOD, Christian Aid, Tearfund and World Vision UK have joined forces for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s Myanmar Earthquake Appeal, after a 7.7 magnitude earthquake left over 3471 people dead.
The appeal’s £10 million total includes donations from King Charles and Queen Camilla, who are regular supporters of the DEC’s appeals, as well as public and corporate donations.
Through churches on the ground, CAFOD and Tearfund have been providing shelter and supplies to those who have lose their homes and livelihoods.
The country, which borders China, Thailand and India, already faced extreme poverty, due to years of internal conflict.
Tearfund's local partner in Myanmar, said: “We are exhausted, people are exhausted, hungry and grieving, yet they push forward, helping one another, searching for survival. Trying to render kind words to each other and clinging to hope. The resilience of the human spirit is as visible as the destruction around me.
“Despite the devastation, we are seeing incredible acts of solidarity among the people. Neighbours are helping each other. Volunteers are stepping in to provide first aid, comfort the grieving, and care for children who have been separated from their families.
“Even those who have lost everything are offering whatever support they can, something like food or a place to rest. The resilience and kindness of the community in this crisis are truly inspiring, but the need for external support remains urgent.”