On 28 March 2025, a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, heavily affecting the Sagaing and Mandalay regions. Amid the widespread devastation, personal stories of resilience and recovery began to emerge – one of which belongs to Mr Aung Ko Ko Thant, a dedicated HR staff member whose life was suddenly turned upside down.
He was at The Union office when the earthquake occurred. As the tremors began, he was overwhelmed by fear for his family’s safety. Upon reaching his home, he found it severely damaged, with a neighbouring house almost collapsing onto it.
“It felt like my whole world had fallen apart,” he recalled. “But thankfully, my family was safe.”
The loss he experienced extended beyond physical infrastructure. Among his destroyed possessions were a treasured photograph of his grandparents and his laptop.
“My nephew had suffered a huge psychological trauma as he had witnessed the total falling of his father’s workplace. I think there might be a lot of children who had mentally and emotionally impacted,” he shared.
Moreover, the financial challenges compounded the emotional strain. Without insurance or sufficient savings, his family had to relocate three times, initially to accommodations lacking basic facilities such as water and sanitation.
“The first two places didn’t have toilets or water. Eventually, we found somewhere with the basics,” he said.
Despite these hardships, he remained committed to his professional duties. The Union provided critical support, including an advance on his salary, which enabled him to maintain stability. Nevertheless, the financial burden of rebuilding remains considerable.
“Rebuilding feels overwhelming – especially with rising construction costs. It feels like building two houses at once,” he said.
The solidarity and support from colleagues, neighbours, and The Union played an essential role in his recovery. Emergency supplies, flexible working arrangements, and psychosocial support contributed significantly to his resilience.
“That made all the difference. It helped me stay focused and strong,” he shared.
He remains hopeful. “My family is alive. I still have a job. That gives me strength.
“Due to the response and support from our organisation, I am motivated to continue my daily life and work. I am also ready to serve the beneficiaries and community who had faced the disaster.”