A Thai woman gave birth to a baby girl while a strong earthquake shook the hospital. The powerful 7.7-magnitude quake hit on Friday, causing panic in Bangkok. The Bangkok mother, Kanthong Saenmuangshin, was in the hospital for a routine check-up. But as the ground shook, she went into labor. Hospital staff quickly tried to move her to safety.
Mother Goes Into Labor as Earthquake Strikes
Kanthong was being taken down the stairs by medical staff when her water broke. She feared she would have to give birth right there. “I was telling my baby, don’t come out yet,” the Bangkok mother later said. But as she reached a hospital bed, surrounded by doctors and nurses, her baby was born. She was in shock but relieved to see her daughter.
Husband Misses Birth But Baby Brings Joy
Kanthong’s husband was at work and could not reach the hospital in time. Despite the fear and chaos, her baby girl arrived safely. The earthquake had stopped by then, and the newborn brought happiness to her mother. Even though the Bangkok mother had gone through a frightening experience, she was thankful for her daughter’s safe arrival. They nicknamed her ‘Mink’ but have not yet chosen a full name. They decided not to name her after the earthquake.
Myanmar Suffers Heavy Losses From Earthquake
The earthquake was centered in Myanmar and caused serious damage. Many buildings collapsed, and rescue workers are searching for survivors. More than 1,600 people have died, and thousands are injured. The number is expected to rise. The quake hit at midday, with aftershocks making things worse. Myanmar is already struggling with civil war, making rescue efforts even harder. Roads, bridges, and airports have been damaged, slowing down aid.
Emergency Declared As Rescue Teams Struggle
Myanmar’s military government has declared a state of emergency in six regions. Aid teams from other countries are trying to help. China, Russia, and India have sent supplies and rescue workers. But many areas are difficult to reach. The earthquake destroyed roads and buildings, making travel dangerous. The military conflict in Myanmar also makes things worse. Many people are still missing, and families are desperate for news.
Earthquake Hits Bangkok, Causing Panic
The earthquake was so strong that it shook buildings in Bangkok. Many people ran into the streets in fear. Some high-rise buildings swayed, and water spilled from rooftop pools. Six people in Thailand have died, and many more are injured. The government is still searching for missing people. A large construction site collapsed, trapping workers under the rubble. Rescuers are using heavy equipment to clear debris, but hope is fading for those still buried.
Bangkok’s metro and light rail mostly returned to normal by Saturday. But two rail lines remain closed for safety checks. A high-rise building under construction by a Chinese firm collapsed. Witnesses saw it fall in a huge cloud of dust. The streets were filled with people running in panic. Some residents are still unable to return home due to damage. The earthquake was not just an emergency for a Bangkok mother, but also for the entire city.
Families Desperate for News of Missing Loved Ones
Many families are still searching for their missing relatives. One woman, Naruemol Thonglek, is hoping to find her partner and five friends. They were working at the collapsed construction site. “I am still praying that all six are alive,” she said. Another woman, Waenphet Panta, is searching for her daughter. She has not heard from her since an hour before the earthquake. She fears her daughter was high up on the building when it collapsed.
Experts Say More Aftershocks May Follow
Earthquakes are rare in Bangkok but common in Myanmar. The country sits on a major fault line. Experts say the fault moved for over a minute, causing the strong quake. Most people in the area live in buildings made of brick and timber, which are vulnerable. Scientists warn that more aftershocks could happen soon. The damage is already massive, but more destruction is possible.
Myanmar Faces Humanitarian Crisis After Disaster
Myanmar was already struggling before the earthquake. Millions of people were displaced by war. Now, the earthquake has made things worse. The United Nations says 20 million people in Myanmar need help. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and there is not enough medical care. Blood donations are needed urgently. Some countries have sent aid, but damaged airports make delivery difficult. The situation remains critical, and many people fear things will get worse before they get better.
