BEIRUT — The Syrian so-called “miracle baby” — who was born under the rubble of a collapsed building following the huge earthquakes earlier this month — has been adopted and is now living in a tent.
“She will be like my children. I will do anything for her. I have four girls and two boys and she will be my seventh child,” Khalil Sawadi, the husband of her aunt Hala, who adopted her, told dpa by phone.
The mother died following the quake but the baby was somehow found alive in a rebel-controlled area in northwestern Syria.
Sawadi lost his home in the Feb. 6 disaster in Jindires, but he moved with his family to live at a friend’s house.
“But after the (new) earthquake that hit our region yesterday (Monday), we moved and we now live in a tent in Jindires,” Sawadi, 34, told dpa.
Sawadi added that the baby’s grandfather has sent him a voice message and told him “you are now her father and you take care of her.”
Rami al Sayed, AFP/Getty Images
Afraa, right, a Syrian baby born under the rubble after the Feb. 6 earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, killing her parents and siblings, lies on a mattress near her cousins on Feb. 21 in Jindayris, Syria.
The baby’s new family gave her the name of her late mother, Afraa, after she had previously been known as Aya.
Videos of the baby girl being pulled from under the rubble covered with dust filled social media in the hours after the earthquake.
All members of her immediate family were killed — including four siblings — and a rescue worker had to cut the umbilical cord, which was still attached to her mother when she was saved.
Dr. Khaled Attiyeh, director of the hospital where the baby was taken to after she was rescued, confirmed to dpa that she had been adopted.
“The judicial authorities took her two days ago and handed her over to her aunt after they did DNA tests and proved a blood relative,” Attiyeh said.
“Of course my heart was broken when she left, but I wished her a comfortable life with her new family.”
He added that the baby left in good health.
The story of the so-called “miracle baby” has touched the hearts of people across the globe, with many reaching out to adopt her.
A rights group said that several Syrian government officers posing as merchants from Damascus had previously attempted to adopt her under the name of a charitable organization.
Meanwhile a relative of the baby, who requested to remain anonymous, told dpa “the aunt’s husband is not the right person to adopt the little girl and that he got her because he belonged to an opposition rebel group which control the area she was in.”
The relative said that according to tribal rules, the father of her late father should care for her.
He added that the grandfather lives in a U.S.-led coalition-controlled area in Deir al-Zour, in eastern Syria, and could not come to the area because “emotionally he is not well after he lost his son (baby’s father) and his family.”
The relative said the girl’s father belonged to the large Al Quaidat Syrian tribe and they are worried that the girl will be “exploited for money reasons.”
The baby’s family previously fled west from the province of Deir al-Zour because of the civil war.
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Turkish teen filmed ‘last moments’ from quake-hit apartment
Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6 is the worst the region has experienced in more than a century. The death toll between the two countries is currently estimated at more than 40,000, and the infrastructural damages in Turkey alone may be as high as $84.1 billion.
As of Feb. 16, nearly $95 million has been paid or committed to relief efforts from international organizations like the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and individual governments around the world, including Germany, Mexico, Italy, and Denmark. In the immediate aftermath, more than 1,400 emergency response personnel from NATO Allies and partners were on the ground in Turkey.
The true cost of a natural disaster is nearly impossible to calculate. Earthquakes are uniquely devastating as they are impossible to predict and, at their worst, split the very foundations upon which communities are built.
Some regions of the world are more prone to natural disasters than others. Countries that sit above the meeting point of tectonic plates are constantly experiencing seismic activity, the majority of which is minor. Many of these regions have updated their infrastructure to be earthquake-proof, but others, especially historical cities with masonry buildings, have been entirely destroyed by quakes over the last 20 years. In Turkey, despite having updated construction codes to safeguard against severe earthquake damage, outdated building construction that skirted these requirements was a contributing factor to the devastation and loss.
In the aftermath of natural disasters, governments around the world have supported relief efforts through money, personnel, and supplies. Humanitarian relief has even transcended geopolitical conflicts; but not all relief efforts are successful. In some affected countries, aid is squandered, mismanaged, or subject to government corruption.
Stacker looked at how the world responded to seven of the largest earthquakes of this century, outlining emergency response efforts and humanitarian aid. The analysis compiled damage and aid costs from the international disaster database EM-DAT, alongside initial earthquake magnitudes from the U.S. Geological Survey's earthquake catalog. Aid data is based on immediate relief provided via the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Earthquakes are listed chronologically.
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Ishara S.KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on Feb. 6 is the worst the region has experienced in more than a century. The death toll between the two countries is currently estimated at more than 40,000, and the infrastructural damages in Turkey alone may be as high as $84.1 billion.
As of Feb. 16, nearly $95 million has been paid or committed to relief efforts from international organizations like the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and individual governments around the world, including Germany, Mexico, Italy, and Denmark. In the immediate aftermath, more than 1,400 emergency response personnel from NATO Allies and partners were on the ground in Turkey.
The true cost of a natural disaster is nearly impossible to calculate. Earthquakes are uniquely devastating as they are impossible to predict and, at their worst, split the very foundations upon which communities are built.
Some regions of the world are more prone to natural disasters than others. Countries that sit above the meeting point of tectonic plates are constantly experiencing seismic activity, the majority of which is minor. Many of these regions have updated their infrastructure to be earthquake-proof, but others, especially historical cities with masonry buildings, have been entirely destroyed by quakes over the last 20 years. In Turkey, despite having updated construction codes to safeguard against severe earthquake damage, outdated building construction that skirted these requirements was a contributing factor to the devastation and loss.
In the aftermath of natural disasters, governments around the world have supported relief efforts through money, personnel, and supplies. Humanitarian relief has even transcended geopolitical conflicts; but not all relief efforts are successful. In some affected countries, aid is squandered, mismanaged, or subject to government corruption.
Stacker looked at how the world responded to seven of the largest earthquakes of this century, outlining emergency response efforts and humanitarian aid. The analysis compiled damage and aid costs from the international disaster database EM-DAT, alongside initial earthquake magnitudes from the U.S. Geological Survey's earthquake catalog. Aid data is based on immediate relief provided via the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Earthquakes are listed chronologically.
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Turkish teen filmed ‘last moments’ from quake-hit apartment
Kalpit Bhachech/Dipam Bhachech // Getty Images
- Magnitude: 7.7
- Immediate UN aid: $196.6 million
- Damage costs: $4.3 billion
The Gujarat earthquake, sometimes referred to as the Bhuj earthquake, hit the western state of Gujarat on Jan. 26, 2001. Its impact was felt throughout 21 districts in northwestern India, and parts of Pakistan. The quake, caused by the Indian plate pushing northward into the Eurasian plate, damaged or destroyed more than 1 million structures, including homes and commercial buildings. Disaster response teams from Switzerland, Britain, Russia, Israel, and the U.S. supported recovery efforts in Bhuj. Economic relief came from around the world as well, including Pakistan, with whom India has had a long, tumultuous, and violent history.
Kalpit Bhachech/Dipam Bhachech // Getty Images
- Magnitude: 7.7
- Immediate UN aid: $196.6 million
- Damage costs: $4.3 billion
The Gujarat earthquake, sometimes referred to as the Bhuj earthquake, hit the western state of Gujarat on Jan. 26, 2001. Its impact was felt throughout 21 districts in northwestern India, and parts of Pakistan. The quake, caused by the Indian plate pushing northward into the Eurasian plate, damaged or destroyed more than 1 million structures, including homes and commercial buildings. Disaster response teams from Switzerland, Britain, Russia, Israel, and the U.S. supported recovery efforts in Bhuj. Economic relief came from around the world as well, including Pakistan, with whom India has had a long, tumultuous, and violent history.
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Turkish teen filmed ‘last moments’ from quake-hit apartment
Majid // Getty Images
- Magnitude: 6.6
- Immediate UN aid: $208.2 million
- Damage costs: $795.4 million
On Dec. 26, 2003, a large earthquake hit the historic city of Bam—inhabited by about 110,000 people—in southeastern Iran. Many buildings in this ancient city, which dates back to 224 A.D., were one-story masonry buildings. Every building in the city sustained some degree of damage, but the majority were significantly damaged or had totally collapsed. The U.S. sent $10.5 million in assistance and almost a dozen nongovernmental organizations to provide humanitarian relief. Within two days of the quake, 27 countries sent 34 search-and-rescue teams to locate survivors and recover the deceased. The European Commission also spearheaded aid efforts by setting up field hospitals and providing clean water and foodstuffs.
Majid // Getty Images
- Magnitude: 6.6
- Immediate UN aid: $208.2 million
- Damage costs: $795.4 million
On Dec. 26, 2003, a large earthquake hit the historic city of Bam—inhabited by about 110,000 people—in southeastern Iran. Many buildings in this ancient city, which dates back to 224 A.D., were one-story masonry buildings. Every building in the city sustained some degree of damage, but the majority were significantly damaged or had totally collapsed. The U.S. sent $10.5 million in assistance and almost a dozen nongovernmental organizations to provide humanitarian relief. Within two days of the quake, 27 countries sent 34 search-and-rescue teams to locate survivors and recover the deceased. The European Commission also spearheaded aid efforts by setting up field hospitals and providing clean water and foodstuffs.
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Turkish teen filmed ‘last moments’ from quake-hit apartment
John Moore // Getty Images)
- Magnitude: 7.6
- Immediate UN aid: Data not available
- Damage costs: $7.8 billion
An earthquake hit the Kashmir region of Pakistan on Oct. 8, 2005. Its epicenter was located approximately 5 miles northeast of the city of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu Kashmir, the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir. Kashmir is located at the juncture of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates—the collision of which caused the formation of the Himalayan Mountains—making it prone to intense seismic activity. It is estimated that 780,000 buildings were totally destroyed or damaged beyond repair. More than 3 million people were displaced. The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank both pledged as much as $1 billion. Total relief amounted to $5.8 billion. India also offered long-time rival Pakistan $25 million—a significant gesture of international cooperation in light of their conflict over the control of Kashmir.
John Moore // Getty Images)
- Magnitude: 7.6
- Immediate UN aid: Data not available
- Damage costs: $7.8 billion
An earthquake hit the Kashmir region of Pakistan on Oct. 8, 2005. Its epicenter was located approximately 5 miles northeast of the city of Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu Kashmir, the Pakistani-controlled part of Kashmir. Kashmir is located at the juncture of the Eurasian and Indian tectonic plates—the collision of which caused the formation of the Himalayan Mountains—making it prone to intense seismic activity. It is estimated that 780,000 buildings were totally destroyed or damaged beyond repair. More than 3 million people were displaced. The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank both pledged as much as $1 billion. Total relief amounted to $5.8 billion. India also offered long-time rival Pakistan $25 million—a significant gesture of international cooperation in light of their conflict over the control of Kashmir.
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Turkish teen filmed ‘last moments’ from quake-hit apartment
BAY ISMOYO/AFP via Getty Images
- Magnitude: 6.3
- Immediate UN aid: $127.8 million
- Damage costs: $4.5 billion
The Yogyakarta earthquake shook central Java on May 27, 2006, destroying more than 60,000 houses. Indonesia is no stranger to earthquakes, and they frequently occur deep under the Earth's surface where the Australia plate sinks beneath the Sunda plate. The May 27 earthquake happened near the surface along a fault in the Sunda plate. Relief supplies and aid came from more than 22 countries. Among the largest donors of financial support were Japan, the United Kingdom, and the EU.
BAY ISMOYO/AFP via Getty Images
- Magnitude: 6.3
- Immediate UN aid: $127.8 million
- Damage costs: $4.5 billion
The Yogyakarta earthquake shook central Java on May 27, 2006, destroying more than 60,000 houses. Indonesia is no stranger to earthquakes, and they frequently occur deep under the Earth's surface where the Australia plate sinks beneath the Sunda plate. The May 27 earthquake happened near the surface along a fault in the Sunda plate. Relief supplies and aid came from more than 22 countries. Among the largest donors of financial support were Japan, the United Kingdom, and the EU.
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Turkish teen filmed ‘last moments’ from quake-hit apartment
China Photos // Getty Images
- Magnitude: 7.9
- Immediate UN aid: $412.8 million
- Damage costs: $115.5 billion
The Sichuan earthquake occurred on May 12, 2008. The epicenter was located 50 miles west-northwest of Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province. More than 5,000 aftershocks were recorded in Sichuan. The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks were so strong they were felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, and Hanoi, Vietnam. More than 80% of the structures in the affected area were destroyed. Whole villages and towns in the mountains were destroyed. Estimates of the number of people displaced range from 5 million to as many as 15 million.
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China Photos // Getty Images
- Magnitude: 7.9
- Immediate UN aid: $412.8 million
- Damage costs: $115.5 billion
The Sichuan earthquake occurred on May 12, 2008. The epicenter was located 50 miles west-northwest of Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province. More than 5,000 aftershocks were recorded in Sichuan. The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks were so strong they were felt as far away as Bangkok, Thailand, and Hanoi, Vietnam. More than 80% of the structures in the affected area were destroyed. Whole villages and towns in the mountains were destroyed. Estimates of the number of people displaced range from 5 million to as many as 15 million.
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Turkish teen filmed ‘last moments’ from quake-hit apartment
ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
- Magnitude: 7
- Immediate UN aid: $4.7 billion
- Damage costs: $10.7 billion
The earthquake that hit Haiti on Jan. 10, 2010, devastated the country's capital city of Port-au-Prince. Much of Haiti's infrastructure beyond homes and buildings was destroyed. Roughly 1.5 million people were left homeless. Countries around the world pledged relief funds and supplies and dispatched rescue and medical teams, as well as engineers. Despite receiving billions of dollars in aid, Haiti's political corruption and poor economy made relief efforts ineffective. Nearly half a billion dollars raised by the American Red Cross was largely unaccounted for, with only the building of six new homes as evidence that the money had even existed. In the aftermath of the earthquake, a cholera outbreak sickened 720,000 Haitians and killed almost 9,000.
ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images
- Magnitude: 7
- Immediate UN aid: $4.7 billion
- Damage costs: $10.7 billion
The earthquake that hit Haiti on Jan. 10, 2010, devastated the country's capital city of Port-au-Prince. Much of Haiti's infrastructure beyond homes and buildings was destroyed. Roughly 1.5 million people were left homeless. Countries around the world pledged relief funds and supplies and dispatched rescue and medical teams, as well as engineers. Despite receiving billions of dollars in aid, Haiti's political corruption and poor economy made relief efforts ineffective. Nearly half a billion dollars raised by the American Red Cross was largely unaccounted for, with only the building of six new homes as evidence that the money had even existed. In the aftermath of the earthquake, a cholera outbreak sickened 720,000 Haitians and killed almost 9,000.
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Turkish teen filmed ‘last moments’ from quake-hit apartment
Buddhika Weerasinghe // Getty Images
- Magnitude: 7.8
- Immediate UN aid: $659.1 million
- Damage costs: $6.4 billion
The Gorkha earthquake hit Nepal on April 25, 2015, with its epicenter located roughly 50 miles northwest of Kathmandu. The quake triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest, which killed 22 people there, making it the deadliest incident ever recorded on the mountain. Entire villages were leveled. While scientists anticipated the threat of a major earthquake due to increased stress along the major fault line where the Indian plate is pushing beneath the Eurasian plate, some government officials in Nepal did not take it seriously. India pledged $1 billion in cash and supplies to Nepal. The United States committed about $47 million for
response and recovery efforts.
Buddhika Weerasinghe // Getty Images
- Magnitude: 7.8
- Immediate UN aid: $659.1 million
- Damage costs: $6.4 billion
The Gorkha earthquake hit Nepal on April 25, 2015, with its epicenter located roughly 50 miles northwest of Kathmandu. The quake triggered an avalanche on Mount Everest, which killed 22 people there, making it the deadliest incident ever recorded on the mountain. Entire villages were leveled. While scientists anticipated the threat of a major earthquake due to increased stress along the major fault line where the Indian plate is pushing beneath the Eurasian plate, some government officials in Nepal did not take it seriously. India pledged $1 billion in cash and supplies to Nepal. The United States committed about $47 million for
response and recovery efforts.
