Press Release: Devastating earthquake hits Syria and Türkiye leaving thousands in urgent need

Following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye in the early hours of this morning [6 February], communities across Syria and Türkiye are in urgent need of emergency shelter support and access to supplies to keep them protected from harsh winter weather, said an aid agency working in both countries. 

Lilu Thapa, the Danish Refugee Council’s (DRC) Executive Director for the Middle East region, said, “Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy; including our staff in communities across southern Türkiye and northern Syria.   

“The earthquake and its aftershocks have caused devastation to communities where many were already in need of aid assistance. In Aleppo and Hama cities families were living in unsafe buildings damaged during the crisis. 

“The harsh winter weather in Syria and Türkiye is only compounding this crisis. Already there were more families in need of support to keep warm this winter than aid available – now thousands of people have lost their homes and are forced out into the cold. This comes on top of an economic crisis that has left families struggling to earn an income and afford the basics. 

“Our teams across the region are assessing the situation and determining what support we can provide. People will need shelter, support to protect them from the conditions, and food.  Many will have lost important documentation. We need the international community to step up and ensure families affected by these earthquakes, wherever they are living, receive assistance urgently.” 

For further information please contact: 

The Global Press Team: 
[email protected] 
Tel +45 28 11 67 27 

Or 

Matthew Hemsley  
Regional Advocacy and Communications Manager, DRC 

m[email protected] 
WhatsApp / Signal +962797426583  
Tel +963953888930 (currently in Damascus)