As the second month of the year began, tragedy struck at the border of Turkey and Syria. In the quiet of the night, people were suddenly awakened by the trembling ground beneath their feet. An unimaginable disaster unfolded as buildings collapsed and thousands of civilians were buried under piles of rubble and metal. The quake, measuring 7.8 in magnitude, claimed the lives of over 21,000 people, making it one of the deadliest moments of the year.
Amidst the pain and sorrow, rays of hope shone through. As the sun rose, emergency responders worked tirelessly, risking their lives to save others. Doctors and healthcare professionals worked to rescue patients, including babies, while the military, firemen, and police scrambled to find and rescue those trapped under debris.
The international community came together, offering their assistance and support. Rescuers from around the world arrived at the scene to lend a helping hand.
Among the survivors were two young children, found buried beneath the ruins in Haram. Mariam, a brave 7-year-old girl, had shielded her younger brother Ilaaf throughout the ordeal, showing remarkable strength despite the circumstances. They endured more than 36 hours trapped under the debris before rescuers finally reached them.
Mariam’s resilience and determination were heartrending. She tenderly cared for her brother, and in her desperation for their rescue, she offered to do anything for the rescuers in exchange for help. But they declined her offer, assuring her that their primary goal was to get them both out safely, without any conditions.
The video footage captured the emotional moment when the children were carried away in blankets to receive medical attention at a nearby hospital. However, the death toll continued to rise, and the situation grew dire as winter approached, leaving thousands of survivors without adequate food and shelter.
Governments were deeply concerned about the unfolding humanitarian crisis and pledged to offer support. Other nations reassured Syria and Turkey of their readiness to provide additional assistance. The World Bank pledged a substantial $1.7 billion in aid to aid in the recovery and reconstruction efforts.
