The aftermath of a massive earthquake that has claimed the lives of over 24,000 people continues to ravage parts of Turkey and Syria, as international aid trickles into the affected areas. Winter weather conditions have impeded rescue efforts, adding to the misery of millions of people in dire need of assistance.
The United Nations warns that at least 870,000 people are in urgent need of food in both countries, with up to 5.3 million people left homeless in Syria alone. The aftershocks from Monday’s 7.8-magnitude earthquake have further increased the death toll and disrupted the lives of survivors.
Fidan Turan, a pensioner in Turkey’s southern city of Antakya, spoke of the unimaginable loss and uncertainty she feels in the wake of the disaster. “We’ve lost 60 of our extended family members. Sixty! What can I say? It’s God’s will,” she said, tears filling her eyes.
In response to the dire situation, the United Nations World Food Programme has issued an appeal for $77 million to provide food rations to over 870,000 displaced people in Turkey and Syria. The UN rights office has also called on all actors in the affected region to allow for humanitarian access. The Syrian government has approved the delivery of aid to quake-hit areas outside of its control.
However, the winter freeze has left thousands of people sleeping in their cars or huddled around makeshift fires, with no end to their suffering in sight. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the Security Council to authorize the opening of new cross-border aid points between Turkey and Syria. The council will meet to discuss the situation in Syria, possibly next week. Meanwhile, Turkey has announced plans to open two new routes into rebel-held parts of Syria.
