Mustafa, age six, has managed to survive the building collapse that claimed the lives of his grandma Begum Haider and mother Uzma. Currently receiving care at the SPM Civil Hospital and reportedly not in danger, Mustafa is one of the 14 survivors. According to the child, it was the lifesaving lessons he had taken away from his favorite animated cartoon program.
“I was terrified but I recalled an episode of the cartoon show ‘Doraemon’ in which Nobita was taught about protecting himself”
“I was terrified but I recalled an episode of the cartoon show ‘Doraemon’ in which Nobita (the central character of the series) was taught about protecting himself during an earthquake by taking shelter in corners or under the bed. Without wasting a second, I took shelter under the bed,” Mustafa recounted. He said: “I saw mummy running and screaming. In no time, the entire building collapsed and everything became dark.”
While Mustafa’s grandfather, a seasoned Congress official named Amir Haidar, survived the tragedy, Mustafa’s father, Samajwadi Party spokesperson Abbas Haidar, was not home at the time. The youngster wasn’t informed of his mother’s passing until Wednesday night. On Monday, the family had a golden wedding anniversary celebration for Mustafa’s grandparents.
