In the aftermath of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that devastatingly affected the Sagaing and Mandalay regions, the experiences of those impacted provide critical insights into the personal, emotional, and professional impact of natural disasters.
Among these is the account of a dedicated Union staff member, Dr Khin Sandar Than, whose home was destroyed and who sustained physical injuries during the quake.
When the earthquake struck she had just returned home and was in the kitchen. After the first earthquake, some parts of the house had collapsed, and the water tank on the top floor burst, leaking water into the house.
While attempting to drive away from the nearly collapsed structure, a second earthquake struck. During this moment, her head was hit and she lost consciousness in the car. She sustained injuries to her head, shoulder and rib requiring immediate medical attention. Her sister called out for help, and three brave neighbours risked their own safety to locate and rescue her, transporting her to a nearby hospital.
She vividly recalls the first moment she saw her home in ruins. “I felt deep sadness,” she shared. “Everything was damaged. My house, my important documents, and all my belongings. I lost everything except my life.”
She struggled with being unable to sleep, a loss of appetite, and an inability to perform even the most basic daily tasks. The trauma of witnessing such destruction had a lasting effect on her mental well-being. Fortunately, emotional support from friends and relatives, through visits and phone calls during her hospital stay, offered her moments of relief and encouragement during a particularly dark time.
“I know many people in Mandalay felt the same. We were all suffering”, she said.
Financially, the situation was dire. Without personal insurance or substantial savings, she was left with nothing. The cash she had withdrawn prior to the disaster was buried beneath the rubble. Thankfully, her hospital costs were covered by The Union’s insurance.
She received government compensation for damage to her home, and additional funds and four bags of rice from a charitable organisation. She is currently residing at her sister’s home in Yangon, where she feels relatively safe. Although grateful to have survived, she acknowledges that the path to recovery is ongoing.
“Since I escaped death, I haven't thought much about rebuilding my house. I'm just trying to live day by day” she said.
In the wake of the disaster, The Union has been committed to addressing staff welfare. She received calls from her manager and the security focal person, both of whom checked in on her condition. The insurance provided by The Union sufficiently covered her medical expenses, and salary was paid in advance to assist with immediate financial needs.
When asked whether life could ever return to what it was before the earthquake, she answered, “No, not immediately. It will take time.”
Her story is one of thousands affected by earthquake. Staff like Dr Khin Sandar Than are the heart of our mission: dedicated, resilient, and working to serve others even in their own time of need. But they cannot do it alone.