A serious earthquake has hit Myanmar, in an area that has already been affected by conflict.
There is still only limited information available on the impact of the quake, but damage to buildings in neighbouring Thailand suggests that nearer the epicentre the effect is likely to have been devastating.
Janet Symes, CAFOD’s Head of Region for Asia and the Middle East, said:
"We are deeply concerned by the news from the earthquake affecting Myanmar and surrounding countries.
"Although there is limited information available, we know that the epicentre was in an area already impacted by conflict and this morning's disaster will have compounded the humanitarian situation there. CAFOD is working with the Catholic church in Myanmar to provide support where it's most needed."
CAFOD has launched an emergency appeal to help those affected.
Notes to editors
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Rosalind Mayfield, CAFOD Media Officer
+44 (0)7856 799169
Jo Rogers
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CAFOD’s out-of-hours media line
+44 (0)7919 301429
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas Internationalis, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice, including those worst hit by climate change. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.