Türkiye-Syria Earthquake | Situation Report #3 Middle East & North Africa Response Plan 13 February 2023, 17:00 ET
THE SITUATION On the morning of February 6th, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, and subsequent aftershocks as strong as 7.5 magnitude, struck Türkiye’s Gaziantep Province. Primary impacts were seen in southwestern Türkiye and northeastern Syria. More than 37,000 people have been killed, 90,000 injured, and tens of thousands of buildings across Türkiye and Syria have been destroyed. Due to infrastructural damage, these numbers are expected to continually increase. 900,000 people across both countries are currently in need of hot food and shelter. Türkiye In southeast Türkiye, millions are still without power, access to clean water, and reliable telecommunication amidst abnormal winter weather conditions. As the rescue phase of the disaster relief comes to a close, The greatest civilian needs in Türkiye are winterization items, tents, access to hot food, hygiene kits, and emergency medical supplies for survivors. Syria 80% of northwestern Syrians are in need of humanitarian aid and have been displaced multiple times due to the civil war. Civilians lack adequate shelter, access to hot food, and medical treatment. Hundreds of people still remain trapped under the rubble as the search and rescue effort has been led by community-based responders. The U.S. government has extended a lift on sanctions for a 6-month period. Regular deployment of aid from Türkiye to Syria resumed on February 9 and Bab Al Hawa is open for the movement of aid and first responders.