'I have lost the only family I have', says daughter who lost her mother in the earthquake

ANTAKYA - It was a routine for Hibah Aslan, 30, to lead a feeding mission on weekends at a community centre for Syrians living in the country.

Hibah, who is also a chef at a hotel, takes on the responsibility of making sure the people in her country, especially children get sufficient nutrition.

This is because most Syrians who live in the country are from poor families.

But the earthquake which hit the country early this month, had shattered her life when she broke her right leg after being hit by ceiling of her house which came down crashing on her.

Hibah is currently housed at the Social Assistance Association and Hama Unity, which is used as a shelter for those who have lost their homes.

For Hibah, the pain from her injuries was nothing compared to the grief of losing her mother, who was her only family in the country.

Her late mother was crushed to death by the wall of her house on the second floor of a five-story building.

"When I was running towards the door, in an instant the walls and ceiling of the house collapsed. Mother was unable to save herself and succumbed in the rubble.

"Only the words 'Allah save my daughter’ that my mother said still linger in my mind. At that time, my mother's hand was still holding my hand," she told Sinar Harian.

Hibah had previously received emergency treatment from the Task Emergency Medical Service (TEMS) team after her leg began to swell.

Further, Hibah said that after being rescued by a neighbour, she was rushed to the hospital and discharged after five days of treatment.

"I couldn't see my mother's body. I couldn't kiss her forehead for the last time. I couldn't hold her hand for the last time, and I couldn't accompany her to the grave," she sadly shared.

Sinar Harian, together with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Syria Care and Task Emergency Medical Service (TEMS), are currently in Turkey to distribute aid to earthquake victims, including those in Syria.

The public can donate to the mission by donating to the #BantuanBencana Sinar Karangkraf x Syria Care Fund.

Those who wish to contribute, can channel the donation directly to Maybank Sinar Karangkraf Sdn Bhd, 564276-529068.

Donations to the #Bantuan Becana Sinar Karangkraf x Syria Care Fund can also be made via this link: https://info.sinarharian.com.my/tabung-bantuanbencana-sinar-karangkraf-x-syria-care/