Local event honors victims of Myanmar quake, raising critical support

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A local Burmese-American community recently put together a special gathering to support victims of the recent devastating earthquake in Myanmar.

The event was held on Wednesday, April 2, at the Chaiya Meditation Center, which is operated by Burmese Buddhist monks.

Event organizers say the community gathering was intended to offer support and raise much-needed funds for the victims and their families of the 7.7 magnitude quake that struck on Friday, March 28.

According to state media reports, the earthquake has claimed over 2,000 lives, with unofficial estimates suggesting the death toll could rise to nearly 20,000, as tens of thousands remain unaccounted for.

Heartbreaking stories have emerged, including the deaths of 200 Buddhist monks crushed in a collapsing monastery, 50 young children killed when a preschool classroom crumbled, and over 700 Muslims who perished while praying during Ramadan.

The resident monks at the Chaiya Meditation Center have been unable to reach their loved ones back home.

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Earlier this week, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that the US would be sending $2 million in aidand a small U.S. agency to Myanmar to assist in recovery efforts.