Earthquake in Syria: WeWorld and OverIT in the field for first aid
The violent earthquake that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on the 6th of February at 4:17 a.m. resulted in numerous deaths and collapses.
After nearly 12 years of conflict, most of the buildings in Aleppo were already crumbling. This earthquake marks another disaster for Syria: as of February 13th, confirmed casualties are more than 3500 and thousands of people have been enjured. However, buildings continue to collapse – also near Damascus -, and the numbers are expected to grow.
WeWorld's Emergency Unit has been activated to check the condition of local staff in Aleppo, fortunately unharmed, and to reckon the damages in order to assess immediate action to support the affected population.
Our local staff in Aleppo, one of the areas most impacted by the earthquake, is working from the first hour to provide basic goods in the temporary shelters, including mattresses, cleaning kits, jerry cans and blankets, to also protect the people sheltered from the cold temperatures. In the areas where the water networks have been damaged by the earthquake, we are providing clean water to the population.
In the Idleb and Aleppo governorates, schools have been suspended. Only in Aleppo, 65 school facilities have been damaged and those undamaged are being used as temporary shelters for displaced families.
Now more than ever, our support to Syrian population is necessary and urgent. Don't leave them alone.