Syria needs urgent assistance – UN

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The UN is fully engaged in supporting those who were affected by the catastrophic earthquake that has hit Syria, Geir Pedersen, the UN Special Envoy to the country, said on Monday.

Najat Rochdi, the UN Deputy Special Envoy for Syria, tweeted that the country needs “urgent assistance.”

Our heart goes out to everyone & every family in Syria and Turkey affected by the earthquake. Urgent assistance needed. May God protect all 🙏🙏🙏 @UNEnvoySyria

— Najat Rochdi (@rochdi_najat) February 6, 2023

Rochdi also offered her sincere condolences to the families of the earthquake’s victims.

Pedersen expressed, in a tweet, his solidarity with and offered his condolences to the families of the victims of the earthquake.

.@GeirOPedersen heartbreaking, the tragic loss of life & destruction from #earthquake affecting #Syria & #Turkiye. Condolences to all affected, many families who have already suffered enormously & for so long. My heart goes out to all. We are fully engaged in solidarity & support

— UN Special Envoy for Syria (@UNEnvoySyria) February 6, 2023

“We are fully engaged in solidarity and support,” he added.

On Monday at dawn, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, killing hundreds in both countries. Many are still believed to be trapped under rubbles.

The earthquake killed 237 people and injured 539 others in the Syrian governorates of Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartus.

Reporting by Emma Jamal