Indonesian Mother Gives Birth During 7.7 Earthquake as Doctors Operate by Flashlight

Post by : Saif

A 39-year-old Indonesian mother gave birth to her fourth child during a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara, in one of Indonesia's deadliest disasters in recent years.

Maria Florida Nogo Kelen underwent an emergency caesarean section while the hospital building shook and intermittent power outages forced doctors to use flashlights during the operation.

Doctors said the delivery could not be delayed because Maria's complicated pregnancy had created serious health risks for both mother and baby.

Doctors Perform Surgery Amid Aftershocks

Medical staff faced extremely difficult conditions as aftershocks continued during the emergency procedure.

Obstetrician Yona Sara Pardede said doctors were concerned about the small size of the baby and the lack of essential equipment, including a ventilator.

Despite the dangerous conditions, medical staff successfully completed the surgery.

Maria said she remained focused on staying healthy for her children despite the earthquake and aftershocks surrounding her.

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Baby Named Gempita After Earthquake

Maria's daughter was born around two months earlier than expected and weighed just 1.3 kilograms.

The baby was named Gempita, a name connected to the Indonesian word for earthquake, "Gempa."

Gempita remained stable after birth and was placed inside an incubator outdoors, in a tent set up on a patch of grass as authorities and medical workers dealt with the damaged hospital infrastructure.

Earthquake Death Toll Rises

The earthquake has killed at least 54 people across East Nusa Tenggara, according to authorities.

The disaster damaged homes, buildings, bridges and medical facilities across the region. Hundreds of people have required medical treatment, with healthcare workers treating some patients in tents outside damaged hospitals.

Rescue teams have continued searching areas where people may be trapped beneath collapsed structures.

Residents Fear More Aftershocks

Many residents have remained outside their homes because of fears that additional aftershocks could cause further collapses.

Evacuation areas have been established using tents, while survivors have appealed for essential supplies including clean drinking water and food.

Despite the destruction around them, the safe arrival of baby Gempita has provided a moment of hope for a family caught in the middle of the disaster.

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