According to the U.N., the terrible earthquakes that slammed Turkey and Syria have left at least 50,000 people dead, hundreds of thousands homeless, and thousands more injured. On Tuesday, the humanitarian chief remarked.
In his statement to the U.N. Security Council that three weeks after the magnitude 7.8 quake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, followed by powerful aftershocks including on Monday, the scale of the disaster is now much more evident: At least 44,000 people have died in Turkey, and about 6,000 people have been killed in Syria, mainly in the rebel-held northwest.
The U.N. The $1 billion appeal for victims in Turkey is just 7.4% financed, and a flash appeal for $397.6 million to aid Syrian earthquake victims is only 42% funded. This only covers emergency needs for the ensuing three months. Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman, stated on Tuesday.
Before the earthquakes, 15.3 million people—or 70% of the population—needed humanitarian assistance, according to Griffiths, who also noted that on a post-quake visit, he observed that entire neighborhoods had been demolished under severe winter weather.
The undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs stated, “early assessments revealed 5 million people in Syria require basic shelter and non-food assistance.” Four to five families are frequently crammed into tents without accommodations for the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, or those with disabilities.
In addition, Griffiths warned council members that thousands of additional structures might need to be demolished, hundreds of buildings have a high risk of collapse, a cholera outbreak before the earthquake is increasing the risk of disease, and the cost of food and other necessities is rising.
“There is a significant need for psychosocial support because women and children are more likely to be harassed, victimized, or exploited,” he said.
According to Griffiths, equipment for improvised hospitals, machinery for rubble removal, and tools for reestablishing water supply are also needed in Syria.
“The U.N. is striving to overcome unanticipated challenges brought on by sanctions and anti-terrorism laws, such as challenges and delays in obtaining supplies to repair vital infrastructure, medical supplies, or security equipment for our activities.
According to a World Bank fast damage assessment report released on Monday, the two powerful earthquakes that struck Turkey on February 6 “generated an estimated $34.2 billion in direct physical damages,” equal to 4% of the nation’s 2021 GDP.
According to the analysis, costs for recovery and restoration will likely double, and GDP losses due to business disruptions will further increase the price of the earthquakes.
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