Church Mourns for Lives Lost in Italy, Myanmar Quakes
Contributed By Jason Swensen, Church News staff writer
The Church expressed sympathy for the lives and homes lost in two August 24 earthquakes—one in central Italy, the other in Bagan, Myanmar.
No missionaries serving in Italy were injured, and there were no reports of injuries to members.
In Italy, at least 120 people died in the magnitude-6.2 quake that caused significant destruction in the cities of Accumoli and Amatrice. The impacted region is about 100 miles northeast of Rome, where the early morning tremors were strong enough to awaken residents of the capital city, the New York Times reported.
“We pray for the people in Italy as they continue their efforts to locate survivors and care for those who have been affected by the recent earthquakes,” said Church spokesman Eric Hawkins. “We are grateful to report that all missionaries in these areas have been accounted for and are safe.”
The Church has offered relief assistance to Italian authorities.
In the southeast Asian nation of Myanmar, a magnitude-6.8 temblor killed at least three people and damaged nearly 100 ancient Buddhist pagodas. The quake was felt in several states in neighboring India and caused buildings to sway in Bangkok, Thailand, according to the Associated Press.
“We also recognize events in Myanmar and likewise pray for the people of that country impacted by the [August 24] earthquake,” said Brother Hawkins.
