In Pictures: Syria Earthquake Response
Our partner the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) are in Syria and have been keeping us up to date with what has been happening since the earthquake and with what the MECC have been doing to respond to the crisis. Here are some of their pictures and updates:
The earthquake is now known to have killed over 5,000 people in Syria and left millions displaced. More than 9,000 buildings have been partially damaged or completely destroyed across northwest Syria. The most badly affected areas in the government-held areas of Syria are Aleppo, Lattakia, Hama, Idleb countryside and Tartous.
In Aleppo, over 54 buildings have collapsed and many more were damaged. The Directorate of Education reported 37 schools partially damaged while three schools were out of service due to complete structural damage.
In Lattakia and Jableh, 102 buildings have collapsed and a further 114 buildings, including hospitals are damaged.
In Aleppo, churches have opened up their churches, halls, schools and monasteries – providing 21 emergency shelters that are hosting over 10,000 people of all backgrounds and religions.
In the first couple of days, the MECC coordinated the distribution of 1,200 mattresses and 5,000 blankets to the churches’ community halls and shelters opened by the governorate in Aleppo.
Church-run schools are also being used as shelters.
Volunteers have been helping to distribute meals.
MECC staff and volunteers have been visiting people in the shelters to assess their needs so they can be given the ongoing support they need – including food, hygiene kits, medicine, blankets and winter clothing and psychological support.