An overview
A major earthquake of magnitude 7.8 struck south-east Türkiye and north Syria on 6 February 2023. At least 8.8 million people were affected by the earthquake in the Syrian Arab Republic (Syria), with the majority expected to need some form of humanitarian assistance. Prior to the earthquake, an estimated 15.3 million people in Syria had already been in need of humanitarian assistance. This new emergency compounded suffering in a country already devastated by 12 years of crisis.
From the very first day, UNHCR worked with partners to deliver life-saving assistance in the most affected areas including north-west Syria.
Main needs & gaps
UNHCR and partners conducted assessments to better respond to the needs of affected families. Some of the main priority needs and gaps included shelter, core relief items, winterization assistance (including winter clothing), psychosocial support, legal counseling on civil documentation and housing, land, and property, and gender-based violence.
Gaps in humanitarian services were observed in all sectors, as the assistance provided fell far short of meeting the severe needs of affected families.
Through prioritizing forcibly displaced people and host communities, UNHCR:
- Supported Syria through the provision of life-saving humanitarian assistance for all those affected by the earthquake, with a specific focus on the most vulnerable.
- Delivered protection services to people impacted by the earthquakes to meet immediate needs with consideration to longer-term needs.
- Ensured effective coordination of the inter-agency response, especially in the protection and shelter/non-food items sectors.
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