Assam Earthquake: Nurses Shield Newborns During Tremors

On Sunday evening, parts of Northeast India, including Assam and West Bengal, experienced a series of earthquakes that shook homes and buildings. The first earthquake, measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, struck at 4.41 pm. Over the next two hours, three more tremors followed, creating a tense situation for residents of Assam.

Amidst this chaos, nurses at a private hospital in Nagaon district showed incredible courage and quick thinking. A heartwarming video of their actions during the earthquake has now gone viral on social media, capturing the attention and admiration of people across the country.

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Brave Nurses Protect Newborns

The video, recorded on CCTV in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Aditya Hospital in Nagaon, shows a scene of calm and courage during the tremors. Two nurses, initially seated in a chair, quickly noticed the building shaking. Without a moment’s hesitation, they stood up and gently protected the newborn babies lying in the cribs.

Their actions ensured that the infants, some only a few days old, remained safe despite the shaking building. This display of bravery and quick response has been widely praised on social media, with many calling the nurses real-life heroes.

The NICU is a delicate area in any hospital. Newborn babies, especially those in critical condition, require constant care and protection. During natural disasters such as earthquakes, they are extremely vulnerable. The nurses’ immediate action prevented any harm from coming to these fragile lives.

Timeline of the Earthquakes

Officials reported the following details about the earthquakes:

• First Earthquake: 5.8 magnitude at 4.41 pm

• Second Tremor: 3.1 magnitude at 4.58 pm

• Third Tremor: 2.9 magnitude at 5.21 pm

• Fourth Tremor: 2.7 magnitude at 6.11 pm

The epicenter of the third earthquake was Sonitpur in Assam. The other tremors originated from the neighbouring Udalguri district. These tremors caused mild shaking in several areas of Assam and West Bengal, but thanks to prompt actions by authorities and residents, no major casualties were reported.

Response from Authorities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had just concluded a two-day visit to the region and arrived in Kolkata in the evening, immediately contacted Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Prime Minister inquired about the safety of residents and the extent of the damage caused by the earthquakes.

PM Modi assured full support from the Central Government to assist Assam in managing the situation and ensuring the safety of its people.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma confirmed that the situation was under control. He stated that disaster management teams were deployed across the affected areas, conducting assessments and providing help wherever needed.

Importance of Quick Action in Hospitals

Earthquakes are unpredictable, and the first few minutes after a tremor often determine the safety of those in vulnerable conditions, such as patients in hospitals. In the case of the NICU at Aditya Hospital, the nurses’ rapid response prevented potential injuries or panic among the newborns.

Experts say that in areas prone to earthquakes, hospitals must always have emergency protocols ready. Staff should be trained to protect patients, especially those in critical care, from falling objects, tremors, and other risks. The nurses in Assam exemplified these emergency principles by acting swiftly and calmly.

Social Media Praise

The video of the nurses quickly spread across social media platforms. Many people expressed their gratitude and admiration for the hospital staff. Comments praised the nurses for their bravery, quick thinking, and dedication to the lives of the newborns.

One viewer wrote, “These nurses are true heroes. In just seconds, they saved innocent lives. Every hospital should have staff like them ready for emergencies.”

Another comment read, “The way they calmly protected the babies during the earthquake shows real courage and care. Hats off to them.”

Earthquake Preparedness in Assam

Assam is part of the Northeastern region of India, which is known to experience frequent seismic activities. Experts have advised residents to remain vigilant during earthquakes and follow safety protocols, such as:

1. Drop, Cover, and Hold On: During shaking, take cover under sturdy furniture and hold on until it stops.

2. Keep Emergency Kits Ready: Have basic supplies like water, food, first aid kits, and flashlights easily accessible.

3. Follow Evacuation Instructions: Listen to local authorities for evacuation guidance.

4. Stay Calm: Panic can cause accidents. Staying calm helps protect yourself and others, including vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

The Assam government and disaster management teams regularly conduct awareness campaigns to educate residents on earthquake safety measures.

Sunday’s earthquakes reminded everyone of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters. While the tremors caused fear and concern, the bravery of the nurses at Aditya Hospital highlighted the importance of calm and quick thinking during emergencies.

Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Sarma ensured that support and relief measures were in place, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the safety of citizens. The viral video serves as an inspiring example of human courage, showing that even in moments of fear, acts of care and bravery can shine through.

As Assam recovers from the tremors, officials continue to assess the affected areas, ensuring that people and infrastructure remain safe. The heroic actions of the nurses will be remembered as a symbol of compassion, vigilance, and dedication in the face of danger.