ISTANBUL, TURKEY – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) president Filippo Grandi concluded a five-day visit to earthquake-devastated areas of Syria and Turkey. He visited survivors, affected people and humanitarian staff working at the ground.
The earthquake has claimed 54,000 lives in the two countries and caused massive destruction to an area where over 23 million people live, including many who had been displaced either within Syria or across the border into Turkey as refugees.
“The level of destruction and devastation is shocking and in many places it is apocalyptic,” Grandi said. “Millions have suffered loss, injury and trauma, and many others have been displaced by this tragic and terrible event.”
While surveying the damage, Grandi also reviewed and discussed the immediate humanitarian response with authorities in the two countries.
In addition to Ankara, Grandi visited Hatay and Gaziantep in Turkey.
In Syria, he visited Latakia, Hama and Damascus and undertook a cross-border visit to earthquake-affected and other displaced people in the northwestern part of the country.
UNHCR and humanitarian partners, especially national and local responders, continue to step up their assistance in the two countries, something that requires greater and urgent international support.
Since the earthquake, UNHCR alone has delivered tens of thousands of tents, beds, mattresses, thermal blankets and other desperately needed support.
“The needs on the ground in both countries are enormous and the response must be better resourced,” Grandi said.
“While it is critical to think about and support longer-term efforts, much more humanitarian aid and early recovery resources are needed so that people can begin to rebuild their lives and livelihoods,” he said.
“I have been coming to Syria regularly for almost 20 years, but never have I seen such levels of deprivation and desperation — everywhere I have been. It is unconscionable that so many people have been left with so little for so long,” he added.
“They need and deserve much more support. Stepping up relief and early recovery activities throughout the country is a humanitarian imperative. Access to all those in need wherever they are is critical,” the UN official said.
The UN has asked for US$1 billion for the humanitarian response to the earthquake in Turkey and nearly $400 million for Syria.
UNHCR’s part of the response plans totals US$201 million.
The appeals are just 2 percent (Turkey) and 10 percent (Syria) funded.