On March 28th, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, with strong tremors felt in Ruili, Yunnan.

At the moment of the quake, the violent shaking inside the Jincheng Postpartum Care Center in Ruili made it nearly impossible for nurse Xiong Jielan and her colleagues to stand. But instead of panicking, their first instinct was to protect the newborns.

Xiong Jielan tightly held a newborn in her arms, using one hand to brace against a nearby surface while slowly crouching down. Her colleague beside her also held onto a baby stroller with all her strength.

As the earthquake intensified, Xiong Jielan could no longer maintain her grip on the surface. Even kneeling on the floor, she struggled to stay balanced. Yet, she kept a firm hold on the baby, using her body as a shield.

Sliding across the floor, she managed to grasp another stroller with a newborn inside. Her colleague also fought to maintain balance, holding onto the nearby stroller with all her might.

The baby in Xiong Jielan’s arms began to cry in fear. While struggling to stay steady, she gently comforted the baby, whispering, “It’s okay, it’s okay, don’t be scared.”

Once the tremors subsided, the postpartum centre evacuated everyone to a safe area.

Recalling the terrifying moment, Xiong Jielan said, “The earthquake struck so suddenly, there was no time to think—only to protect the baby in my arms.”