On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, devastating six regions throughout the country.
Countless families were left without shelter, clean water, food, and medical care. Among them was Thiri, a 25-year-old mother who gave birth just moments before the quake hit.
At that moment, an earthquake struck…
“At that moment, an earthquake struck while my mother and nurses were showing my baby to me. The shaking was intense, I looked around and saw everything shaking violently, with many things being destroyed.”
Thiri had just delivered her son via C-section when the ground began to shake. Her hospital room turned into chaos. Debris fell and fear gripped everyone. Her mother shielded her as she worried for her new born and daughter.
Giving birth in crisis
Thiri shared her journey to the hospital:
“I was admitted on March 27. I gave birth around 8:45 AM on March 28. When I returned to the room, I felt dizzy from the anesthesia. That’s when the earthquake struck.”
She tried to stand, pulling out her IV tubes, desperate to protect her children. Thiri’s husband and mother carried her outside as hospital buildings collapsed. With medical staff overwhelmed, Thiri couldn’t breastfeed for three days and relied on formula.
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Life after the earthquake
“We were outside the hospital for two or three days. I had to lie on the ground. It was hard to eat or drink.”
Eventually, Thiri and her family reached a displacement camp in Amarapura. But the challenges continued:
“As soon as we got there, another earthquake struck. The heat was intense, the baby couldn’t sleep or drink. We had to find shade.”
They reinforced their tent to protect against heat and wind, and remained ready to flee again if needed.
Living with fear and hope
“Before the earthquake, I planned to sell products. Now, I worry constantly. People say another big earthquake might come.”
Despite the trauma, Thiri remains resilient:
As a mother, I have a son and a daughter to care for. I pray to Buddha that no more disasters happen again.
She’s grateful for the support received:
“I would like to thank those who have come to donate to us. My baby is in good health, and I am proud to have delivered him despite the challenges.”
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Myanmar update
28 million people in Myanmar were affected by the earthquake, including 6.7 million children. Families were left without shelter, clean water, food, and medical care.
ShelterBox is working with partners in Myanmar to provide shelter repairs, and emergency items like water filters, solar lights, kitchen and hygiene kits, and essential aid to families like Thiri’s.
With your support, we can reach more people affected by this disaster.
Read about our response