Syria Earthquake Relief Efforts

Several devastating earthquakes struck Syria in the early hours of Monday, February 6, 2023. The earthquake, which occurred in the southeast near the Syrian border, is one of the strongest earthquakes in the region in more than 100 years. It was felt by people as far away as Lebanon and Cyprus. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, nearly 16 million people were affected by the earthquake, and more than 244,000 buildings were completely or partially destroyed. Four months after the earthquake, many people still depend on humanitarian aid to provide them with basic necessities such as food, clean water and shelter.

Bothoor ALkhaer organization response in Syria

In Turkey, Caritas Austria is providing support through partner organizations, including distributing relief materials in earthquake-affected areas. Caritas Austria partners have distributed around 700,000 humanitarian aid items so far. These include food parcels, hot meals, water, hygiene kits, blankets, sleeping bags, tents and winter clothing. Services provided also include child protection, medical support, referral to hospitals and psychosocial support. Caritas partner organizations, such as Caritas Turkey, have so far reached more than 97,000 people through their emergency response.

In Syria, Bothoor ALkhaer organization assistance focused in the first phase on meeting the basic needs of children and women affected by the earthquake by providing clothes for children and cash payments to women. Financial support in particular will remain necessary due to the emergency. In addition, in . In total, more than 550 people received support through this response in Syria.

Humanitarian aid needs remain high

Despite international aid, humanitarian needs remain high in the affected area. Key needs include the provision of heavy equipment for debris removal, distribution of cash, shelter, non-food items (such as tents, insulation boards, heating materials and winter clothing), food, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). Reception centres, psychosocial support and protection, as well as child-friendly spaces, medical support and family reunification.