Newborn pulled from Syrian earthquake rubble after her mother died giving birth

A newborn baby was rescued from the wreckage after a deadly earthquake hit Aleppo, Syria, according to TODAY.

The 7.8 magnitude quake hit on Monday and completely destroyed the already-ravaged city, including the child’s family home.

The baby’s cousin, Khalil al-Suwadi, who spoke to the news outlet, Agence France-Presse (AFP), said, “We heard a voice while we were digging. We cleared the dust and found the baby with the umbilical cord, so we cut it and my cousin took her to hospital.”

It’s impossible to imagine how this mother gave birth to her child during such a catastrophe but, the fact that the baby survived at all, is even more amazing. What a testament to a mother’s profound strength.

The cousin reported to AFP that the little one is the only one to have survived since their mother, father, four siblings and an aunt were all felled in the tragedy.

Two massive earthquakes hit Turkey and neighboring country, Syria, on Monday. So far, both countries reported that the death toll is up to 7,200 people, with injuries amounting to 24,000. But, those numbers are expected to climb even higher as rescue efforts continue.

The Associated Press reports that civilians on the ground are doing what they can to aid in rescue efforts. On Tuesday, the Turkish president declared an official state of emergency.

World leaders have since offered assistance and expressed condolences. President Biden released a statement saying, “Today, our hearts and our deepest condolences are with all those who have lost precious loved ones, those who are injured, and those who saw their homes and businesses destroyed.”

“Our teams are deploying quickly to begin to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and address the needs of those injured and displaced by the earthquake,” he added.

There are many aid groups lending a hand in both countries. Here’s are a few different ways to help:

1. UNICEF 
2. Save the Children 
3. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies 
4. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières
5. Islamic Relief
6. The Syrian American Medical Society
7. The International Rescue Committee