Video of nurses in China shielding babies during Myanmar earthquake shows what real courage looks like

When the 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, it caused widespread devastation. It also sent tremors rippling across neighboring regions, including parts of China. In one maternity center in Ruili, Yunnan province, those tremors were caught on security footage—and so were the selfless actions of two nurses who put newborn lives before their own. CCTV footage from the hospital shows two staff members in the maternity ward reacting instantly as the building begins to shake, reported CGTN. One nurse rushes to stabilize the cots, bracing them as they roll with the quake.

Another can be seen cradling a baby in her arms, then slowly sinking to the floor for safety while holding the infant close. Around her, objects crash to the ground and through the chaos, she can be heard softly saying, "It's okay, it's okay." One of the nurses, Xiong Jielan, later told Xinhua News, "The earthquake hit so suddenly I didn't have time to think. It was just instinct–all that mattered was keeping the baby in my arms safe." The Myanmar earthquake, now confirmed as the most powerful to hit the country in more than a century, caused extensive damage.

According to CNN, the 7.7-magnitude quake brought down buildings and destroyed a historic bridge. Over 1,600 people have died so far, and thousands more have been injured. Bangkok, where tremors were also felt, has seen at least nine confirmed deaths and 68 people remain missing. Thai authorities have declared it a disaster area. Aftershocks have continued to rock Myanmar, with the strongest measuring 6.7 in magnitude. A geologist told CNN that aftershocks of this intensity could persist for months. The U.S. Geological Service has projected that the final death toll could exceed 10,000.

Amid this large-scale tragedy, the nurses’ actions have stood out as a reminder of humanity and courage during disaster. The video, which was shared widely across social media, was posted to Reddit by user u/Bihema, where it sparked strong emotional reactions from viewers. u/uncutpizza wrote, "Damn, watched it on mute first and then with sound. Terrifying how loud it would be have been." u/thundiee said, "Man, I love nurses. Nurses, firefighters, paramedics, emergency call operators, etc. are the legends of our society." u/throwaway098764567 pointed out, "I'm amused that none of the babies are crying, perhaps in part because the nurses aren't vocally freaking out, but it's amusing to think of them being like, 'Finally, I've been wanting to be rocked to sleep like this.'"

u/DUHH_EWW added, "They deserve recognition. They're terrified for sure and still able to protect those infants." u/KaiXan1 commented, "Always thought that nurses never got enough gratitude for the jobs that they do daily. They stay in floods, fires, earthquakes, and bone-aching cold, all while others seek shelter or flee. Hats off to all of you!" u/redditcreditcardz said, "That is terrifying and that hero just stood there, composed and focused. Now that’s goddam impressive." u/unpetitjenesaisquoi shared, "After living in LA for 30+ years, I have experienced some powerful quakes, but a 7.7 right at the epicenter, I cannot fathom how strong it would be...terrifying."