Turkey, Syria quake leaves millions of children without shelter

World

Published: 2023-02-14 20:02

Last Updated: 2024-03-29 06:24


Turkey, Syria quake leaves millions of children without shelter
Turkey, Syria quake leaves millions of children without shelter

After the two devastating earthquakes that struck both Turkey and Syria last week, UNICEF warned that millions of children are in need of urgent humanitarian support.

The number of children affected remains unclear, however, 4.6 million live in the 10 provinces of Türkiye hit by the earthquakes, and over 2.5 million children are affected in Syria.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said: “The children and families of Türkiye and Syria are facing unimaginable hardship in the aftermath of these devastating earthquakes.”

Russell added: “We must do everything in our power to ensure that everyone who survived this catastrophe receives life-saving support, including safe water, sanitation, critical nutrition and health supplies, and support for children's mental health. Not only now, but over the long term.”

Following the earthquakes and their aftermath, the number of children killed and injured has not yet been confirmed but is likely to have reached thousands.

UNICEF, alongside other partners and organizations are working around the clock to provide aid to those affected by the earthquakes, including distributing essential supplies such as critical health supplies, blankets, and clothing, in addition to safe drinking water and sanitation supplies.

According to UNICEF, in the coming days and weeks, the organization will continue working with partners to reach as many people as possible with life-saving assistance.

In Syria, the organization is working to provide aid to those affected by the earthquakes. UNICEF has already provided supplies in northwest Syria. Immediate aid includes providing access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, which are critical in preventing illness in the early days of a crisis.

“UNICEF is assessing the impact of the earthquakes on main water stations and working to provide safe water to those displaced. UNICEF has deployed Mobile Health and Nutrition teams to provide health and nutrition services and supplies to those in need, including those who have taken refuge in shelters,” according to a statement issued by the organization.