“The international community cannot look away” from Syria’s humanitarian crisis, two years after earthquake
Press Release, 06 February 2025 - Two years have passed since the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck northwest Syria and southern Türkiye. In Syria alone, nearly 6,000 lives were lost, with almost 13,000 people injured, and critical infrastructure - already weakened by over a decade of conflict - was further impacted. The seismic event was also considered the most significant in Türkiye and one of the most severe disasters in the region's recent history, claiming over 50,000 lives.
Ongoing challenges and conflict in the region, particularly in Syria, further worsened the situation, displacing over 1 million people and adding to the 7.2 million already displaced – half of these were children. Many resorted to sheltering in overcrowded public spaces, straining limited resources. Across Syria, 16.7 million people now require urgent humanitarian aid, the highest recorded in the crisis.
“The needs are great, and the situation requires ongoing attention,” said Emmanuel Isch, World Vision’s Syria Response Director. “Children and families are the most impacted. Access to healthcare, education, clean water, and protection services is at an all-time low. The international community cannot look away - support is needed now more than ever.”
Syria’s situation remains one of the world’s largest displacement crises, with 6.2 million Syrian refugees seeking safety in neighbouring countries. Recently tens of thousands of Syrians have started to return to their country, coming from areas affected by the earthquake, but ongoing recovery support for those remaining is still needed.
World Vision, which has been providing humanitarian assistance in Syria since 2011, was among the first responders after the earthquake in 2023, reaching almost 500,000 people. It delivered life-saving aid such as emergency shelter, food, clean water, and medical support. However, with continued displacement and funding shortages, the need for sustained and immediate humanitarian action remains.
World Vision remains committed to its mission, advocating for stronger humanitarian responses and resilience-building efforts to protect and improve the lives of children. The organisation calls for urgent, coordinated action to address immediate humanitarian needs while strengthening long-term recovery and resilience efforts.
"As we mark two years since this devastating earthquake, we must remember that the crisis in Syria is far from over. The Syrian people have shown incredible resilience, but they cannot endure this alone. We must act now to prevent further suffering and loss of life." Emmanuel Isch added.
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For more information, please contact Sam Bishop at sam.bishop@worldvision.org.uk
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