Delays to search operations have added to her agony. Hnin rushed around the devastated city, where communication lines were barely functioning, to buy head-torches and fuel for poorly equipped teams. A hotel manager refused to allow the use of a digger, fearing the building would collapse. Days passed before Chinese and Russian rescue teams arrived.
“How can I sleep? When I wake in the middle of the night, I feel as if my tears have run out. I can’t cry any more,” said Hnin.
She stands outside the building, calling her husband’s name, hoping for his reply, and makes offerings to spirits, praying for her family’s safety.
