The recently declared six-month ceasefire in northwest Syria has reduced tensions and allowed for an increase in the flow of aid into some of the most isolated areas. As these areas grapple with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and years of civil war, the scale of both the disaster and the attempt to tackle it have become apparent. This article will provide an overview of the increase in the flow of earthquake aid into northwestern Syria, the local response, and efforts from international actors, to bring relief.

Local Response to the Earthquake

The earthquake hit northern Syria on October 26th, 2020. News sources estimated that the magnitude of the tremor had reached 7.2 on the Richter scale, and its impact spanned towns and villages across five provinces. The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces released a statement of grief and solidarity with the victims, and called for international community support in addressing the situation.

Local response included the deployment of government and private search and rescue teams, the rapid distribution of food, water, and medical equipment, and humanitarian aid. However, the response was hindered by an already fractured local community and civil war-induced displacement.

International Aid Gains Traction

International actors have stepped in to aid refugees and demand stability in the region. This includes the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and multiple private non-governmental organizations sending aid to affected areas. This includes medical supplies, food, and building materials like wood, bricks, and cement.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued an urgent appeal for over $100 million to fund the recovery operation. Already, contributions from international donors have started to arrive in order to meet these needs. Fuel, water, and tents are being sent from the United World Fund (UNICEF) to provide shelter to those who need it. The World Food Programme is delivering 600 tons of food to family members of 1300 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Aleppo to Idlib.

Summary of Supporting Efforts

The Humanitarian Task Force (HTF) which is made up of United Nations, the United States, European Union, Turkey and Russia is also involved in earthquake relief operations. The HTF has already established temporary camps to care for the IDPs, and is assessing the medical needs and repairing essential infrastructures in the affected regions in cooperation with the Syrian government.

Furthermore, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in cooperation with the Germany government has also been active in meeting the needs of over 3,000 families in Aleppo. The organisation is currently providing them with food, water, and shelter.

The catastrophic earthquake that shook northwest Syria on October 26th caused immense destruction to infrastructure and infrastructure. The combined efforts of international actors and local NGOs, have been essential in providing aid to the IDPs and other affected communities. The global response to the earthquake was far-reaching and the scale of the efforts is commendable. Additionally, the contributions of both host-communities, and national and international aid organizations, demonstrated the resilience of the Syrian people and the collective power of global actors to respond to tragedies. However, there is still much work to be done to ease the suffering of the affected communities.