Powerful earthquakewhich led to thousands of deaths in Syria, sparked a wave of protests in the north of the country.
The protesters are outraged by the too slow reaction of the international community to the situation, insufficient help and support. Twelve-year civil war plunged the country into poverty and devastation, millions of migrants live in tent camps. Against this background, the consequences of the earthquake are even more terrible. Johan Muij of World Vision Syria Response says:
“The camps are in a terrible state. It has rained, so there is a lot of mud. Now we are afraid that if there is no good drinking water, a cholera epidemic may begin. On top of that, we also have this earthquake.”
Western sanctions on Damascus further complicate the situation by hindering timely assistance. The north-west of Syria is controlled by the rebels. The bulk of humanitarian aid to the affected region comes through Turkey, but now only one border checkpoint, Bab el-Hawa, is operating. Mark Kay (IRC):
“The whole area is largely dependent on Turkey’s only border crossing point at the moment. Through it comes the UN assistance, which was already lacking. We must make sure that Syria is not forgotten. The earthquake does not recognize borders.”
Previously, we talked about Greece directs humanitarian aid to areas of Syria affected by the earthquake in Turkey.
More Stories
Russian Vinnik, detained in Greece, admitted his guilt in the USA
China: highway collapse, dozens of victims and injured (video)
A terrible tragedy in Kyrgyzstan: a truck hit 29 children at a festive event (video)