The first measured 7.8 on the Richter Scale, the second shortly after 7.5, causing extensive damage across both countries, and leaving at least 50,000 dead.
In contrast to southern Turkey, the region of northern Syria affected by the earthquakes is inaccessible, depopulated and scarred by over 10 years of civil war.
Mousawat’s intervention saw the dispatch of two aid convoys to northern Syria – one departing from Beirut, the second from southern Turkey. Both delivered items desperately needed by vulnerable communities left destitute by the earthquakes, including 4,500 CHF of essential medicines.
The convoys also delivered mobility devices and self-care items for the old and sick, including wheelchairs, mattresses and blankets, diapers and dressings.
Other items delivered to northern Syria included hygiene kits for women and girls, including essentials such as towels, soap and sanitary products.
As a result of the intervention, Mousawat provided 100 homeless beneficiaries with wheelchairs or crutches, 1,000 people with winter blankets, and 20 individuals with specialist air mattresses – resulting in an enormous improvement in these vulnerable people’s quality of life.
And given the ongoing civil war in northern Syria, even reaching this conflict-troubled area of the country represents a considerable achievement.
OVER 20 YEARS OF INVESTMENT IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES
Countries where we have supported our partners’ work in response to a growing range of threats to life and livelihood
Million USD invested since 2001 to help communities better prepare for – and recover from – natural and man-made disasters
Projects addressing a broad range of challenges, including mine-clearance, emergency shelter, resilient housing solutions and capacity building
