Sunday 28th September marks six months since a 7.7-magnitude earthquake devastated parts of Myanmar, killing over 3,400 people and displacing thousands more.

Christian charities, including CAFOD, have played a vital role in the emergency response through local church networks still active in the region.

Despite the passing of time, the situation remains critical. “Many people assume life has returned to normal,” said Richard Sloman, CAFOD’s Asia coordinator. “But Myanmar is facing a compounding crisis—first the earthquake, then monsoon flooding, all on top of ongoing internal conflict, which has already displaced 3.5 million people.”

CAFOD and its church partners have reached tens of thousands with emergency shelter, water and sanitation.

But Sloman warns the work is far from over. “There are still 2 million people in need. Rebuilding homes, restoring water access, supporting livelihoods—these are long-term needs the Church is committed to walking through.”

He emphasised how Christian values underpin CAFOD’s response: “People turn to the Church in times of crisis. Our faith calls us to help all people to thrive and flourish, especially those most affected.”

Sloman urged UK Christians to pray and continue supporting what he called a “silent crisis.”

“This is no longer in the news, but the suffering is ongoing. We ask people to pray, to give, and to advocate because behind the silence, millions are still in desperate need.”