December 29, 2017
The magnitude 7.3 earth-quake that struck Kermanshah province last month left many mourning the loss of their loved ones or pacing restlessly at hospitals praying for the recovery of family members.
Many risked their lives to save others. Here is the story of Haniyeh Yazdan-Shenas, a 13-year-old girl who risked her neck to save her 3-year-old sister trapped under heaps of crumbling rubble that had been their home.
As Haniyeh recounted the event to IranWire, she was in the front yard when the earthquake hit their village near Sar Pol-e Zahab. “I saw my mother and other relatives escaping with injuries, but I suddenly remembered my baby sister, Hoda, was inside the house sleeping and I didn’t see anyone carrying her outside.”
“So, scared as I was, I entered the house, which was already mostly rubble. I ran while I was being hit by debris falling from the ceiling and the walls. I went inside and grabbed Hoda,” Haniyeh said.
With the help of neighbors, Hoda was lifted out of the debris of the house safe and sound. But Haniyeh was struck in the back by a collapsing wall and was transferred to a hospital in Kermanshah.
Her brother and father were also hospitalized in Hamadan; the family didn’t heard from them for four days. Haniyeh’s mother was even more seriously injured and was flown to a hospital in Tehran for care. But the littlest member of the family wasn’t injured at all.
Haniyeh, who has a spinal surgery, is unable to walk. But doctors are hopeful she will regain her ability to walk again after physiotherapy treatment.
The homeless family is dreaming of a day they can once again gather in their own home with everyone in good health.
