Syria-Turkey earthquake harms over 7 million children – UN
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – As people in Syria and Turkey continue to suffer from impacts of the Feb. 6 catastrophic earthquake, the UN expresses concern that more than seven million children are harmed by the earthquake in both countries.
James Elder, spokesman for the UN children’s agency UNICEF, told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday, “In Turkey, the total number of children living in the 10 provinces hit by the two earthquakes was 4.6 million children. In Syria, 2.5 million children are affected.”
At dawn on Feb. 6, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit both countries, killing tens of thousands and injuring many more. The earthquake also caused immense destruction of buildings, trapping thousands under the rubble.
Elder added that UNICEF fears many thousands of children have been killed in both countries.
As for the time being, those affected by the earthquake urgently need shelter, warming means, medication and more funds, according to Elder.
He went on noting that Syrian children “under the age of almost 12 has known nothing but conflict, violence or displacement,” with some others being displaced six or seven times.
He called on international community to show solidarity with those children.
Children in Syria and Turkey “are facing unimaginable hardship in the aftermath of these devastating earthquakes,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
Russell called for providing the survivors with life-saving support and support for children’s mental health.
Victims’ toll of earthquakes in Syria on has surged to 3.694 dead and 14.806 injured as a provision count.