Watch Moment Heroic 11-Year-Old Carries Sister Out of Shaking Laundromat During 7.1 Earthquake
On July 4, 2019, a 6.4 magnitude earthquake shook Ridgecrest, California, and surrounding areas, with movement felt in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas in opposite directions.
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake followed the next day. CBS News reported the damages done to the area’s homes and businesses will cost at least $100 million to repair.
Residents fled from their homes and stray animals have been turning up in shelters since the disaster, leaving California to pick up the pieces. The outlet reported that a mere 13 percent of the state’s residents hold earthquake insurance.
But amidst the ruin and the rubble, we always tend to see the good in people. Communities comes together stronger and unlikely heroes rise to the occasion.
One such hero is just 11 years old. When the laundromat where the 11-year-old boy, his mom and his 2-year-old sister Arianna were during the 7.1 magnitude quake on July 5, Armando Suarez knew just what to do.
“It started shaking really badly and the roof starts to collapse in more,” Suarez told KABC. “That’s when I grabbed my sister and ran toward the door because everything’s shaking.”
Footage of the young man’s brave act and quick thinking were caught on a surveillance camera. The children’s mother, Joann Yglesias, said she is so grateful for her son.
“Once we got outside, I grabbed my kids and held them really close to me,” Yglesias told KABC. “I’m very, very proud of him and thankful he was there to react good.”
This boy is a true hero, as are all the first responders who have gone above and beyond for their community during this time.
As part of the #RidgecrestStrong effort, a “Kindness Behind the Shield” campaign has been put into place to honor those who have stepped up.
“I just want to thank all first responders for stepping up in this,” Batt Chief of Kern County Fire Department Dionisio Mitchell told KGET. “I know that this was big event, but I’m proud of you guys. I’m proud of the work we did.”
“It is a good feeling knowing that our job is to solve problems for those who need help when they dial 911,” firefighter Warren Johnson also told the news outlet.
Please keep the residents affected by this disaster in your prayers. World Central Kitchen is currently working to serve food to those in the Ridgecrest and Trona areas. To find out more or to learn how you can help, please visit their website.
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