Syria’s earthquake hits while children asleep – UNICEF
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The first earthquake that hit Syria took place early in the morning, while many children were sleeping which exposed them to even more danger, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said on Monday.
The UNICEF said, in a press release, “Thousands of children and families are at risk after two devastating earthquakes and dozens of aftershocks.”
“The aftershocks bring continuing risks,” the organization added.
At dawn on Monday, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Syria, leaving thousands of casualties and enormous material damage.
The UNICEF is assessing the effects of the earthquakes on people in Syria and preparing to provide humanitarian support,” according to the release.
The earthquake comes “at a time of year when temperatures regularly drop below freezing and snow and freezing rain are common,” the organization pointed out.
The UNICEF also stressed that their main priority is to make sure that affected families and children “receive the support they so desperately need.”