Myanmar cardinal describes the earthquake: it was as if 330 atomic bombs had fallen

The Yangon Archbishop (Myanmar), Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, crudely described the magnitude earthquake 7.7 degrees on the Richter scale that has caused more than 3,500 dead, almost 5,000 injured and hundreds of missing, pointing out that it was as if they had fallen at the same time “330 atomic pumps.”

“People are very afraid, there is outdoors. A powerful earthquake, with an energy similar to that that would have caused the fall of 330 atomic bombs, hit our innocent people,” said the prelate in statements to ACI Press.

“The catastrophe brought apocalyptic scenes and experiences,” he added after verifying the despair of thousands of people who still look for their relatives under the rubble.

However, in the midst of desolation, hope continues to make its way. In the last hours, rescue teams – some international ones – have managed to rescue more than 600 people, especially in the most affected areas, where the emergency reaches epic proportions.

The earthquake took place on March 28, 2025, at 12:50 (local time), with epicenter near Mandalay. However, the real scope of the tragedy is still unknown, since there are many bodies to recover among the debris.

The local Catholic Church has also been a victim of disaster. However, from the first moment it has been organized to help the victims. “The Catholic Church is an injured healer,” said Cardinal Bo.

“Many of our parishes and churches have suffered a strong impact. In others, thousands of people are also in open spaces. We rush with our pastoral concern, providing water, medicines, food and shelter to save lives,” he said.

Its commitment to the population is firm, above all, to relieve the psychological impact of tragedy on the inhabitants of the affected communities. “Many of our religious are with people, in a compassionate accompaniment.”

The president of the Episcopal Conference of Myanmar called for a high fire in a country that lives, from the 2021 military coup, plunged into a civil war.

“It’s not time to wield weapons”

“The conflict has totally affected our people. I have called all the parties to respect the fire.

The cardinal also denounced the consequences of the “active war”, which has caused the forced displacement of thousands of people. “Economic collapse and inflation have negatively affected any significant attempt at humanitarian aid on time to the affected population,” he said.

In this context, he reiterated the firm position of the Catholic Church: “It is not time for war. The conflict has inflicted a visceral wound to our people, and conflicts only exacerbate these wounds.”

However, the fighting continues, which seriously hinders the distribution of aid in the affected areas. “There is an active conflict in full boiling. Even before this catastrophic event, our people had to face great challenges: an endless war, the displacement of millions of people, the lack of adequate medical care, the collapse of the economy and an injured educational system,” the prelate recalled.

“The movement of goods and the transfer of people has been a great challenge in recent years. With inflation and economic sanctions, people already had many limitations … and now this earthquake has arrived,” he insisted.

He also explained that “many areas of the country”, including the main “roads”, are “under the control of multiple actors, all armed.”

Cardinal Bo is also part of the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence (Catholic Institute of Non -Violence)), a center that opened its headquarters in Rome last year. From there, tools are offered to politicians, international organizations and local churches to build peaceful societies and promote everyone’s right to a dignified life.

International Charity, CLAE en la respuesta humanitarian

Amid the pain, the purple highlighted the role of Caritas Internationalis in the humanitarian response. “We have received a lot of support from ecclesiastical organizations. Caritas Internationalis has been our confidence partner at all times, forming our people to deal with natural disasters and caused by man,” he explained. “Training and training in preparation were very useful. They are now ready with promises of humanitarian support to our people.”

The cardinal was clear when listing the most urgent needs: “They urgently need water, water and medical attention, and the injured need urgent attention. They need food and refuge. They need to recover a normal life and believe again in themselves and in others.”

In spite of everything, Cardinal Bo shares a message of hope: “The International Catholic Community has promised full support. Pope Francis has been a great source of support, and we are deeply moved by the concern shown by the Vatican not only now now, but throughout these years.”