The recent earthquake in Turkey and parts of Syria shocked the nation, and the disaster has claimed more than 12,000 lives as reported by Al-Jazeera.
With the rescue work ongoing, more pictures have surfaced online to show the devastating situation in the country, but there is one particular heart-wrenching image that found its way onto social media. In his Twitter post, Mohamad Safa, the Representative of Patriotic Vision to the United Nations shared an image of a protective 7-year-old girl who shielded her brother under the rubble following the earthquake.
The brave little girl placed her hand on her little brother’s head for 17 long hours before the pair were eventually rescued. Safa said that the pictures were not shared enough.
“I see no one sharing. If she was dead, everyone would share. Share positivity!”
In his tweet, Safa also revealed that the victims of the Turkey earthquake are suffering from hunger and more aid is desperately needed. He urged those who can help in any way they can.
According to a report by CNN, the incident took place in Northern Syria where the siblings were “wedged” between the concrete in the remains of their home. A rescuer who recorded the incident captured a short but heartbreaking conversation between them.
“Get me out of here. I’ll do anything. I’ll be your slave”, the 7-year-old told the rescuer.
The rescuer immediately rejected and said no to Mariam, the protective sister.
“Mariam the courageous child”
The image that Safa shared on his Twitter has gone viral on social media, and many were touched by how protective Mariam is despite her young age.
You can watch the short clip below.
At the time of writing, rescue work is still being carried out with more victims expected to be found under the rubbles. Our thoughts and prayers go to the victims of the earthquake, and may God bless the country and the survivors!
