Response through partners in Aleppo and Northwest Syria
(LWI) - LWF is calling for donations to support people affected by a series of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the early morning of 6 February 2023 caused massive destruction in the border area between Turkey and Syria. It was followed by more than 40 smaller quakes and another magnitude 7.7 tremor around noon local time. One day later, 5,000 people are confirmed dead, tens of thousands are still missing. The numbers of victims continue to rise as work is undertaken to rescue survivors trapped under rubble. Many buildings collapsed completely, including hospitals and other public facilities.
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Partners respond
"What is being reported at this point may only be the ‘tip of the iceberg’”, says Allan Calma, LWF Global Humanitarian Coordinator. Search and rescue operations have started in the affected areas, a race against time as the temperatures in the region are below zero. There is a need for medical supplies, food, water, shelter and sanitation.
“Temperatures are dropping and it is snowing in much of the region, with freezing temperatures expected in the coming days. Urgent access to shelter is a priority with many people fearing to shelter inside due to aftershocks. Reportedly, a lot of people are sleeping in cars and car parks”, Calma adds.
What is being reported at this point may only be the ‘tip of the iceberg’
– Allan CALMA, LWF Global Humanitarian Coordinator
The situation is especially challenging in Northern Syria, a war-torn area which is not controlled by the government and cut off from the usual aid mechanisms. The region has called for international help. Many aid organizations are affected as well, with staff and their families killed or missing.
LWF’s partner organizations are assessing needs and responding in Syria. The ACT Alliance has issued an alert, calling for donations to support people in need.
