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Appeal
Devastating earthquakes strike Syria and Türkiye
Millions of children are in need of urgent humanitarian support.
A girl among those affected by the earthquake in Syria and Türkiye
UNICEF/UN0781435/Ölçer
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Millions of children are in need of urgent humanitarian support after two devastating earthquakes and numerous aftershocks hit south-east Türkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023.
The collective death toll is now at least 41,000. While the total number of children affected remains unclear, 5.4 million children live in the 10 provinces of Türkiye hit by the earthquakes, and more than 3.6 million children are affected in Syria. Many families have lost their homes and are now living in temporary shelters, often in freezing conditions and with snow and rain adding to their suffering.
The earthquakes have also caused widespread damage to schools and other essential infrastructure, further jeopardizing the well-being of children and families. Access to safe water and sanitation is also a major concern, as are th
e health needs of the affected population.
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Press release
Thousands of children at risk after devastating earthquakes hit south-east Türkiye and Syria
06 February 2023
On 6 February 2023, residents retrieve a small child from the rubble of a collapsed building following an earthquake in the town of Jandaris, in the countryside of Syria's northwestern city of Afrin in the rebel-held part of Aleppo province. Hundreds have been reportedly killed in north Syria after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that originated in Turkey and was felt across neighboring countries.
UNICEF/UN0777983/al Sayed/AFP
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NE Thousands of children and families are at risk after two devastating earthquakes and dozens of aftershocks hit south-east Türkiye and Syria today.
According to authorities, in the two countries, more than 2,300 people have been killed, including children, with thousands more injured. These numbers are only likely to increase. In Türkiye, efforts are currently focused on search and rescue and UNICEF is coordinating with the Government, and the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency on the emerging needs linked to the wider humanitarian response. In Syria, UNICEF is assessing the impact of the earthquakes and preparing to support the humanitarian response in coordination with partners.
The initial 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit just after 04:00 local time, when many children and families were asleep at home, with a second 7.5 magnitude quake hitting later in the day.