Colombian Doctor Risks Life to Carry Newborns to Safety During 7.4 Earthquake| National Catholic Register

Dr. Germán Andres Somoyar confirmed that 10 babies were saved from a hospital.

Amid the destruction caused by the powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday, an image has gone viral on social media, becoming a symbol of solidarity and hope. 

Doctors risked their lives to rescue patients and newborn babies inside Clínica Panamericana hospital in Apartadó, Antioquia, when the tremors struck. The earthquake’s epicenter was in the municipality of San José del Palmar in the department of Chocó on the Pacific coast, leaving hundreds of people dead and injured.

In the images, Dr. Germán Andres Somoyar can be seen holding two babies in his arms, calming and protecting them after bringing them to safety. 

The pediatrician explained to the Register that the decision to rescue patients and babies was made as soon as the tremors began, adding that “it was a coordinated team effort involving all the care staff.” 

He and a few colleagues were responsible for evacuating the neonatal unit on the sixth floor. “We didn’t think twice,” he emphasized. “The babies need to be the top priority.”

Before reaching the unit, Somoyar encountered mothers who were paralyzed with fear. He showed them the evacuation route and then ran toward the babies with his colleagues.

“What we really felt was a protective instinct — the desire to care for them and give them our best in a situation we couldn’t control: the earthquake.” 

Despite the imminent danger, the doctors’ quick decision to assist patients  — especially the most vulnerable — was a sign of courage and love for life amid fear and uncertainty. 

Somoyar confirmed that 10 babies were safely removed from the hospital, and the team succeeded in “evacuating all patients who needed help.”