JINDERIS, Syria (AP) — One year after a devastating earthquake struck northwest Syria, the misery for Syrians continues to compound due to both shrinking international aid and the enduring conflict. Sido Naji, a 16-year-old survivor, woke up to his house shaking on Feb. 6, 2023. In a region already ravaged by war, the earthquake further exacerbated the dire situation, leaving behind rampant poverty, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced communities.
The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.8, claimed the lives of over 59,000 people in Syria and Turkey. In Syria, specifically, it resulted in the deaths of at least 6,000 individuals, predominantly in the northwest, where approximately 4.5 million people rely on humanitarian aid for their survival. The quake destroyed hospitals, disrupted electrical and water systems, and forced even more displaced Syrians to seek shelter in tented settlements.
One year later, the scenes of devastation and despair are still present. Many areas, including Jinderis in Aleppo province, have seen little to no reconstruction. Entire blocks lie in rubble, and residents like Sido Naji, who had his leg amputated, are left living in muddy tents with no access to adequate shelter or heating. Naji highlights the harsh living conditions, saying, It’s cold at night and there is no lumber (for heating) or anything.
Unfortunately, the ongoing conflict in Syria, coupled with donor fatigue, the COVID-19 pandemic, and conflicts in other parts of the world, has led to a significant decrease in international assistance. United Nations agencies and other humanitarian organizations are struggling to secure funding and maintain crucial programs in Syria. The World Food Program, which estimates that over 12 million Syrians lack regular access to food, announced that it would halt its main assistance program in Syria in 2024.
Tanya Evans, the Syria Country Director for the International Rescue Committee, emphasizes the urgent needs faced by families on both sides of the conflict. Inflation, job losses, and limited access to necessities have forced Syrians to make heartbreaking decisions about food and survival. The dire situation is further compounded by the lack of proper shelter, as seen in camps like Salah ad-Din in the Idlib countryside, where tents are falling apart, water floods makeshift homes, and wood for heating is too expensive.
The challenges extend beyond shelter and food. Water stations, education services, and medical support in hospitals are also struggling to receive sufficient support. David Carden, the U.N. Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, has noted the growing needs in Syria, explaining, We cannot do more with less.
Furthermore, the lack of progress towards a political resolution hinders the ability of humanitarian organizations to plan for long-term development initiatives. The ongoing conflict in Syria creates a situation where donors are less inclined to invest in long-term solutions. Rosa Cresanti, the head of the World Health Organization office in Gaziantep, Turkey, highlights this challenge, stating, We are still in a humanitarian situation because of the ongoing conflict. This is the main reason why there are no long-term plans.
Despite the adversity, Syrians are demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness. With limited aid, many are taking matters into their own hands, attempting to rebuild their shops and farms. Ahmed Koteich, a construction worker, expresses the disillusionment felt by many Syrians, stating, The international community said it stood with the residents, with their thoughts and rhetoric. But this talk won’t help the people here.
As Syria faces the double burden of a shrinking international aid presence and enduring conflict, the need for sustained support and assistance is greater than ever. The international community must recognize the urgency of the situation and reaffirm its commitment to the Syrian people, providing them with the necessary resources and aid to rebuild their lives in the face of this longstanding crisis.
