As a magnitude 7.7 earthquake shook Myanmar, nurses rushed to protect newborn babies at a maternity center in Ruili City, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, where strong tremors were felt, according to a CGTN report.
CCTV footage captured the heroic acts of two nurses who selflessly put the babies’ safety before their own when the natural disaster struck.
As the building swayed violently from the effects of the earthquake, one staff tried her best to protect the newborns from injury by stabilising the cots, while another cradled an infant in her arms.
At one point, the latter sank to the floor while clinging desperately to the baby, even as items were falling to the ground around her.
She could be heard reassuring the baby, “It’s okay, it’s okay.”
One of the nurses, Xiong Jielan, told Xinhua News, “The earthquake hit so suddenly I didn’t have time to think.”
“It was just instinct–all that mattered was keeping the baby in my arms safe.”
Internet reacts
Reacting to the viral video, one of the netizens said, “This is so touching. We can see humanity and compassion everywhere around the world. People are evil, but many are good humans also.”
Another one said, “Nurses embody the same bravery as soldiers on the frontlines of war, standing resolute amidst chaos, their care serving as a shield for the vulnerable. Each of these nurses is a hero in my book, offering hope and healing when it is needed most!”
One of the netizens called them heroines. Another one said, “Heroes. Sacrifice. Love.”
Largest quake to hit Myanmar
An earthquake struck central Myanmar on Mar. 28, collapsing buildings and destroying a historic bridge.
The 7.7-magnitude earthquake was the largest quake to hit Myanmar in more than a century, reported CNN.
More than 1,700 people have been k.illed and thousands more injured, BBC reported.
Rescue teams work to save survivors trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay, Myanmar.
(Photo: AFP via Getty Images)
As search and rescue efforts continue, aftershocks continue to shake Myanmar. These aftershocks could continue for months, a geologist told CNN.