As buildings trembled on Friday due to the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake and patients were evacuated to safety, 36-year-old Kanthong Saenmuangshin found herself giving birth to a baby girl under highly unexpected circumstances.
Kanthong had originally visited the Police General Hospital for a routine check-up. However, as the ground began to shake violently, medical staff quickly evacuated patients down to the ground floor and outside the hospital. In the midst of this hurried evacuation, Kanthong unexpectedly went into labor.
Her waters broke as she was being escorted down five flights of stairs. Fearing she might give birth on the stairway, Kanthong recalls anxiously telling her baby, “Don’t come out yet.”
Baby girl named ‘Mink’
As soon as she reached the ground floor, the medical staff placed her on a rolling hospital bed. Surrounded by a team of healthcare professionals, Kanthong gave birth to her daughter in the ongoing evacuation. Reflecting on the sudden turn of events, she described the experience as a complete shock.
Her husband, who was at work during the ordeal, could not make it to the hospital in time. Despite the chaotic circumstances, Kanthong expressed immense relief and happiness upon seeing her newborn daughter.
They have nicknamed the baby “Mink” but have not finalised her official name. The couple has decided not to give her a name related to the earthquake, focusing instead on joy and new beginnings.
Earthquake death toll rises to 1644
Myanmar’s military announced on state TV that the death toll from Friday’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake has risen to 1,644, up from 1,002 reported earlier. The sharp increase highlights the challenge of confirming casualties across the widespread disaster zone. The number of injured has surged to 3,408, with 139 people still missing.
Rescue efforts are focused on Mandalay and the capital, Naypyitaw, but damaged airports in both cities have hampered aid delivery despite international teams and equipment being flown in. Authorities fear the toll may continue to rise as more bodies are pulled from the rubble of collapsed buildings.
(With Reuters inputs)