Syria is no stranger to natural disasters, yet the effects of earthquakes can be particularly devastating. But, due to the country’s continued isolation, effective relief efforts have been hindered, placing people in danger amidst the destruction of the seismic activity.
The devastating 6.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Syria on March 27th, 2021 is a reminder of the catastrophic damage caused by seismic disturbances in the region. The destruction could potentially have been lessened if not for Syria’s tumultuous political and economic situation over the last ten years.
What is the Current Situation?
Syria’s devastating civil war has been ongoing for more than decade, with the full conflict intensifying after the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. The conflict has claimed an estimated half-million lives and has displaced millions of refugees throughout the region, destabilizing governments and making it increasingly difficult for relief efforts to be effectively achieved.
The Syrian government has further exacerbated the situation by actively preventing aid from reaching its people in need, particularly those living in areas held by opposition forces. As a result, hundreds of thousands of people are living in tents and makeshift shelters, struggling just to survive.
Meanwhile, the continual geopolitical tension between regional powers and the 2020 assassination of a prominent military general by a Western Country exacerbated diplomatic relations, leading to further cut-offs of aid to the region. As a result, Syria remains isolated, unable to obtain the help that is desperately needed for its citizens during natural disasters.
Impact of the Isolation on Earthquake Relief Efforts
The resulting isolation has had a drastic effect on earthquake relief efforts in Syria, and there are numerous ways in which this is being experienced.
● Limited Access to Aid: The restricted access to aid has led to minimal relief efforts in the aftermath of the latest earthquake. In the densely populated Idlib region, many people are still living on the rubble of destroyed homes, due to a lack of assistance.
● Inadequate Resources: The limitations on the relief efforts mean Syrian authorities are barely able to deal with the situation. Syrians are not receiving lacking resources such as medical attention, warm clothing, and basic shelter.
● Economic Impacts: Economic turmoil has only been exacerbated by the earthquake, creating an environment where citizens are unable to access vital resources. In a region already heavily reliant on aid, economic fallout from the seismic activity can create long-term implications even in the best-case scenario.
● Poor Infrastructure: With very little outside assistance and a lack of international investments, those impacted by the earthquake can expect little in terms of infrastructure repair and road construction. The earthquake’s aftermath further damaged access to food, water, and electricity, as well as communications systems, leaving survivors stranded.
What is Being Done to Help?
Despite Syria’s isolation hindering earthquake relief efforts, various aid organizations are working to help those affected by the disaster. Here are a few of the initiatives in motion:
● Humanitarian Aid: Aid organizations are providing immediate assistance to survivors, including the provision of basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and medical care. That said, they face issues in the distribution of these items due to impediments placed by the Syrian government.
● Emotional Support: Psychological support is also necessary, especially for those in refugee camps and homeless people, as they often feel overwhelmed and anxious. Volunteers are helping provide emotional support to those affected by the quake, helping to ease the psychological burden of the affected.
● Financial Help: Globally, campaigns and initiatives such as SyriaCares have started crowdfunding money to support disaster victims in the region. This financial help is enabling rebuilding efforts, replacing damaged infrastructure such as schools, and providing food, water, and medical supplies.
The ongoing isolation of Syria has been devastating for those living in the region, who are unable to access the necessary aid needed to fight natural disasters such as earthquakes. The majority of the world has turned a blind eye to the plight of Syria, leaving its people in limbo, with limited access to aid, inadequate resources and infrastructure, and very little emotional support.
However, small and passionate initiatives undertaken by aid organizations and activists, as well as crowdfunding campaigns, have been slowly building support for those affected by the latest seismic activity. With the right amount of attention, and international cooperation, aid can still be provided to those living in Syria now and in the future to help save lives and rebuild infrastructure.
