According to UNHCR, widespread destruction of buildings and homes has displaced 150,000 households across Syria and 900,000 people are in urgent need of shelter. To date, an estimated 50,000 people are dead and an additional 110,000 have been left injured by the earthquake on February 6th. These figures continue to rise as search and rescue efforts continue in both Syria and Turkey.
The massive destruction of homes and buildings in Aleppo, Hama, Idleb and Lattika in Syria is devastating. Several buildings have been deemed unsafe and the risk of collapse is high. Consequently, several families who have suffered significant losses are without a home or proper shelter since February when the powerful earthquakes and aftershocks struck the Middle East region.
“When the earthquake happed we were very afraid, very scared. Pieces of the building were falling on us while we were going down. Stairs were cracked around us … All I wish is to have a shelter, go back to my school with my friends, and return to my handicrafts,” said Ala’, a young girl from Syria who, like several thousands of children, was forced to leave behind her home and education. Besides the loss of homes, around 454 schools in Syria are reported to have been destroyed following the deadly earthquakes.
Mouhamad Abou ‘Ammar, who returned to Homs after being displaced for 10 years as a result of the war, said he had lost his home and all his possessions following the earthquakes. He now currently lives in a small room with eight other people. “I came back and renovated the house. It was fully furnished on the basis to stay. And now see what has happened to us. As you see, I lost everything,” he said while pointing to the remains of his home which have now been reduced to rubble.
Caritas Internationalis is currently coordinating the response with other Caritas Members in Syria providing support to those in need and working towards a more just and dignified future for all Syrians.
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