In the early hours of February 6, 2023, a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
Amidst the chaos and rubble, a remarkable story of survival and new beginnings emerged from the town of Jindayris, Syria.
La terrible experiencia
In Jindayris, a town near the Turkish border, a pregnant woman found herself trapped under the debris of her collapsed home.
Despite the dire circumstances, she went into labor and gave birth to a baby girl beneath the rubble.
Tragically, the mother succumbed to her injuries shortly after childbirth, leaving the newborn as the sole survivor of her immediate family.
Un rescate milagroso
Rescuers searching through the debris heard the faint cries of the newborn.
Among them was the baby’s uncle, Khalil al-Sawadi, who discovered the infant still connected to her deceased mother by the umbilical cord.
Using a razor from his pocket, Khalil cut the cord and freed the baby.
After initial challenges in finding medical care due to overwhelmed facilities, the infant was eventually admitted to a children’s hospital for treatment.
Apoyo comunitario y adopción
The baby’s story captured global attention, with many offering to adopt her.
However, her uncle Khalil and his wife, Hala, stepped forward to raise her alongside their own children.
They named her Afraa, in honor of her late mother.
Despite losing their home in the earthquake and facing challenging living conditions, the family remained committed to providing Afraa with a loving and nurturing environment.
Símbolo de esperanza y resiliencia
Afraa’s survival and recovery symbolize hope amid devastation.
Her story underscores the profound human capacity for resilience and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.
As she grows, Afraa serves as a living testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
FAQs
Q: How did the rescuers locate baby Afraa?
A: Rescuers heard her cries while searching through the rubble and found her still connected to her deceased mother by the umbilical cord.
Q: Who is caring for Afraa now?
A: Her uncle, Khalil al-Sawadi, and his wife, Hala, have adopted her and are raising her alongside their own children.
Q: What challenges did the family face after the earthquake?
A: The family lost their home and had to live in a tent before finding a rental house. They also faced difficulties in proving their relation to Afraa for adoption purposes.
Q: Why was the baby named Afraa?
A: She was named after her late mother, as a way to honor her memory.
Q: How is Afraa’s health now?
A: Six months after her rescue, Afraa is healthy and developing well under the care of her adoptive family.