My Third Visit to Myanmar – From the Reopened Airport to the Disaster Zone
In response to a request for emergency disaster relief, I arrived in Myanmar on April 15 to support our local medical team working in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar. My first visit to Myanmar was in 2009, when I participated in Japan Heart’s long-term international nursing training program (now known as the Medical Team). I returned in 2019 as a short-term volunteer, and this is now my third time in the country. This also marks my return to disaster relief with Japan Heart; my last experience being during our emergency response to the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
A few days before my departure, we received word that Mandalay Airport had reopened. To prioritize time on the ground, we adjusted our usual travel route. Instead of taking the overland route from Yangon, we flew to Mandalay, then continued by road to Sagaing. By that time, about two weeks had passed since the earthquake, and the disaster response had shifted into the subacute phase. I joined as part of the second wave of the mobile clinic team, with the role of supporting our Myanmar staff on the ground. Together, we carried out mobile medical services and distributed relief supplies in two locations.
What Patients’ Voices and Symptoms Revealed About the Reality of the Disaster
During the five days of mobile clinic operations, we provided medical consultations to a total of 222 patients.
As soon as the clinic opened, a line of patients quickly formed, many saying, “We heard that we can be seen here.” To ensure smooth and safe consultations, we worked closely with our Myanmar staff to manage patient flow, measure vital signs, confirm chief complaints and medications, prioritize treatments, and adjust the order of examinations. We also continuously monitored patients while they waited, provided reassurance, and handled necessary tests.
The earthquake caused damage that forced many medical facilities and pharmacies to close. Limited transportation, lack of time, and financial difficulties made accessing healthcare extremely challenging. Additionally, changes in diet and ongoing stress from anxiety led to poor control of blood pressure and blood sugar levels in some patients. Many reported symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, common colds, digestive issues, and skin problems. Our consultations also covered a wide range of cases, including wounds sustained during the earthquake and injuries from falls causing difficulty moving several weeks after the incident.
Some patients waited more than an hour for their consultation, yet many expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “We truly appreciate you coming to see us despite these difficult circumstances.”
Confirming a Baby’s Life with Ultrasound – Meeting Expectant Mothers
Among the patients seen at the mobile clinic were several expectant mothers nearing their due dates. Word had spread that ultrasound examinations were available. One mother told us, “After the earthquake, I didn’t know how my baby was doing. Could you please check with the ultrasound? All I want to know is if my baby is healthy.”
Seeing her baby’s heartbeat on the ultrasound screen brought her great relief. The sight of the baby moving actively inside the womb, and the mother’s expression of comfort and hope, was a brief yet profoundly warm moment amid the challenging circumstances of disaster medical relief.
Supporting Lives and Livelihoods – Aid Distribution in the Villages
As part of our ongoing efforts, we accompanied the second round of aid distribution to three locations near Wachet Village. Since the disaster struck, Japan Heart has been conducting needs assessments and delivering supplies based on those findings. During the first distribution, these three villages primarily received plastic sheets and other materials to help them prepare for the approaching rainy season.
For this second distribution, after reassessing the needs, we provided food and mosquito nets. On the distribution day, we worked closely with the villagers to prepare the supplies and distributed them directly to individuals and households, one by one. We also conducted interviews while visiting each village and ensured proper cleanup after the distribution.
“People shared their heartfelt concerns:
‘We have this constant fear of an uncertain future,’ ‘Although food can be purchased in the village, prices have skyrocketed, so we cannot afford it,’ and ‘Even when my children ask for sweets, I cannot buy them. Support like this food aid is truly appreciated.’
Aid distribution provides a vital opportunity to gather information about the challenges people face and their actual needs by hearing directly from them. Many households continue to experience fear and anxiety from ongoing aftershocks, often sleeping outdoors under mosquito nets at night for safety.
Since the last distribution, some areas have faced early and heavy rains stronger than usual. Villagers expressed their gratitude, saying, ‘Receiving the plastic sheets really helped us.’
Through this activity, we felt we were able to truly see where donations go and the real impact they have.
Supported by the Kindness of the People of Myanmar
As the rainy season was approaching, the distribution activities took place under the strong sun and heat. During the aid distribution, someone quietly placed their hat on my head to shield me from the sun.
During mobile clinic visits, when a patient’s turn was approaching, their name was called, and they were invited forward. Other patients waiting nearby would also call out the name together to help.
Throughout the activities, people often asked, “Are the nurses okay?” showing genuine concern for us, the Japanese staff.
Being touched once again by the warmth and kindness of the people of Myanmar with their rich hearts, I personally felt encouraged and strengthened.
Reunion and the Road Ahead – Unchanging Commitment and a Pledge for the Future
During this mission, I was reunited with Myanmar staff members whom I had worked alongside back in 2009, and together we carried out our activities. I am sure those moments immediately following the disaster were truly frightening. Yet, witnessing their steadfast dedication as they continuously considered what they could do and fulfilled their roles moved me deeply.
Looking back on the activities now, despite the various support we received from the departure to return to ensure safety, I am left with many thoughts about what more could have been done and what could have been done better. Myanmar is an irreplaceable and beloved country to me. Having been there, I am acutely aware that ongoing support is essential.
It has been almost two months since the disaster struck. Moving forward, I want to continue reflecting on what I can do and keep working toward it.
Certified Emergency Nurse
M. I.