The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday expressed its solidarity with victims of the earthquakes that struck Sria and Turkiye on Monday.
“We wish to express our deep sympathy and solidarity with all those who were affected by the deadly earthquake that struck southern Türkiye overnight Sunday to Monday, Fabrizio Carboni, ICRC Near and Middle East regional director, said in a statement.
In Syria, the earthquake adds “a layer” to the humanitarian tragedy that has been ongoing for 12 years, he said, adding that no words can describe the sight of families – most of whom displaced more than once – who had to leave their homes in the freezing cold to take refuge in unsafe streets in the middle of the night.
Buildings, weakened by long years of war collapsing like pieces of dominoes in Aleppo, send shivers down the spine, he said.
“I also salute the volunteers of Turkish Red Crescent Society and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent who are the first responders but also victims themselves. Their selfless dedication to humanitarian action is formidable”, he said.
The humanitarian situation across Syria is dire and cannot be ignored, he warned.
“Turning a blind eye to humanitarian suffering in Syria is cruel and inhumane”, he said, adding that the ICRC is working to support the emergency relief efforts of its partners.
On Monday, the Red Cross dispatched surgical material – enough to treat 100 people to one of the public hospitals in Aleppo, he said, adding that more medical equipment is on its ways to Aleppo, Latakia and Tartous, along with thousands of canned foods enough for tens of thousands of people, blankets and mattresses, and other essential items.
Source: Jordan News Agency