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On February 6, 2023 at 04:17, a major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 occurred in the Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş.1 Before even allowing the proper set up of rescue-search and aid mechanisms, a second earthquake of magnitude 7.6 struck the Elbistan district of Kahramanmaraş later in the day at 13:24. Both earthquakes significantly impacted the surrounding provinces, namely Hatay, Gaziantep, Mardin, Diyarbakır, Malatya, Şanlıurfa, Kilis, Adıyaman, and Osmaniye. The death toll in Turkiye from Monday’s devastating earthquake has risen to 31,974 as of 14 February 2023. According to Ministry of Environment and Urbanism, 32,672 buildings were destroyed in 10 provinces as of February 13th.
People in north-west Syria continue to be trapped under the rubble, a week since the earthquakes struck southern Türkiye on 6 February causing damages and casualties in both countries. estimate that over 6,500 have been killed and 10,000 people injured in all areas of Syria. 1 million lost their home and are experiencing a new displacement after 12 years of war and trauma. These numbers are likely to rise in the coming weeks. Lack of support through resources and equipment to the rescue teams in the affected areas has led to the loss of many lives. Only 5% of affected areas could be covered by rescue teams. In Aleppo alone, 100,000 people are believed to be homeless, with 30,000 of that number currently sheltered in schools and mosques. In NW, a number of 5,193 buildings were reported to be partially destroyed and 2,136 totally destroyed.Due to the outstanding conditions on the ground, Syria decided to allow the opening of two extra crossing points of Bab Al-Salam and Al Ra'ee from Türkiye to north-west Syria for an initial period of three months for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid.
Water trucking has reportedly been suspended in Idleb, Jarablus and Atameh as of 9 February due to an increase in turbidity in the water source, putting community members at risk of cholera and other water-borne diseases. Nearly 47,000 cholera cases have been reported in north-west Syria as of 11 February. High injuries and casualties are overwhelming the capacities of medical centers and hospitals. At least 31 health facilities in north-west Syria are partially functional or have suspended their services due to the earthquakes. Psychosocial support is particularly critical.