Yunnan Rescue Team Arrives in Myanmar, Saves Trapped Elderly Patient After Earthquake

On the morning of the 29th, just 18 hours after a devastating earthquake struck, a 37-member rescue and medical team from Yunnan arrived in Yangon, becoming the first international rescue team to reach Myanmar. By around 8 p.m. that evening, the team reached Ottara Thiri Hospital in Naypyidaw, marking the start of their first rescue mission in the country.

According to the team leader, the 7.9-magnitude earthquake had severely damaged the hospital. The three-story building’s first floor was completely buried underground, while the second and third floors suffered extensive structural damage, with load-bearing pillars on the verge of collapse. More than 30 people were trapped beneath the rubble.

 

At around 4 p.m. on the 29th, a 5.1-magnitude aftershock struck Naypyidaw, causing a secondary collapse. Victims who had previously maintained weak contact with rescuers were completely buried, putting them in critical condition.

Given the severity of the disaster, Myanmar authorities requested the Chinese rescue team to prioritize the hospital. Upon arrival, the team conducted an environmental assessment and used life detectors to identify two locations with signs of life. After coordinating with Myanmar rescuers, joint teams were formed to carry out simultaneous rescue operations.

CGTN reporters, upon learning of the mission, immediately followed the team to the site for live coverage. While reporting, they also volunteered as translators, facilitating communication between Chinese and Myanmar rescuers.

After an overnight effort, a 70-year-old patient, who had been trapped for nearly 40 hours on the hospital’s first floor, was successfully rescued and transported for emergency treatment.