The world is still in shock as a result of this week’s devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria.
Over 12,000 deaths have been officially reported as a result of the natural disaster, which happened on Monday and had a Richter scale magnitude of 7.8.
A massive relief effort has been started, with thousands searching through the debris for survivors hidden under demolished structures. Although more deaths are anticipated, there have been some merciful moments recently. These miracles have given those who have been watching in horror hope.
One such instance occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, when a video of a seven-year-old Syrian girl guarding her younger brother while their home was being destroyed surfaced on social media.
This video made me cry.
Small Syrian girl shields her brother beneath the rubble of their destroyed home.
She’s trapped under heavy concrete for 17 hours. #TurkeySyriaEarthquake 💔 pic.twitter.com/vcxUQkTkS8
— Vividha (@VividhaOfficial) February 9, 2023
According to reports, the video, which was posted to Twitter, depicts the terrified siblings trapped beneath the debris. The older sister is seen placing her hand over her younger sibling’s head to try to protect him.
The kids were successfully rescued by authorities, and they now serve as a sort of representation for the ongoing relief effort.
The sister and brother had been trapped beneath the debris for 17 hours, according to UN representative Mohammad Safa.
“The 7-year-old girl who protected her younger brother by keeping her hand on his head while they were buried under the rubble for 17 hours has reached safety. I observe no sharing. Everyone would share if she were deceased! Spread goodwill…” Tweeted Safa.
Although it is not yet too late to give up hope, according to survival experts, the survivors’ window for rescue is rapidly closing.
Natural hazards specialist Steven Godby told Sky News that the survival rate is typically 74% within 24 hours, 22% after 72 hours, and 6% by the fifth day.
We send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families impacted by this earthquake.
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