Syrians face extra hardships after quake

▶ Cuts to aid, the presence of rival armed groups and a lack of order frustrate efforts to rebuild

In a moving interview with The National this week, Syrian earthquake survivor Mohammed Jaafar was succinct when reflecting on the catastrophe that struck his native land and neighbouring Turkey this day last year – “The earthquake changed our lives.”

Twelve months on from the 7.8-magnitude tremor that killed an estimated 60,000 people and left 1.5 million homeless, millions of survivors are indeed living changed lives.

For those Syrians who were affected by the earthquake – whether they were struggling to get by in their war-torn homeland or were living a challenging existence as refugees in Turkey, life would probably have been difficult before February 6, 2023, but the months that followed have been punishingly precarious. This is because the two countries’ circumstances and paths to recovery are very different.

Immediately after the earthquake, many countries – including the UAE – were able to co-ordinate with Ankara to ensure rescue teams, medics, food, clothing and other critical supplies reached the southern Turkish provinces that were worst affected. Northern Syria was inauspicious territory for an international relief effort given that the government’s writ in many areas did not run, challenged as it was by years of war that left dozens of rival armed factions in charge. A lack of governance, the legacy of conflict, as well as poor oversight and access for aid agencies meant that many Syrians, already at a disadvantage, were unable to truly avail of the help that might have been provided.

Over the past year, the Turkish government has used its resources to begin an ambitious programme of rebuilding that is beginning to help devastated communities get back on their feet. On the other side of the border, millions of Syrians still live in sub-standard displacement camps and face shortages of even essentials such as food, fuel and clean water. Meanwhile, many charities and aid groups are reporting that their relief efforts are being stymied by funding cuts.

To compound the situation, many of the earthquake-related problems in Syria require specialised, long-term action. This week, the Save the Children charity reported that many boys and girls who survived the earthquake are “struggling to process and cope with everything they have endured”.

Nevertheless, some countries have been intensifying relief efforts. Last month, the Emirates Red Crescent released details of the humanitarian aid it is helping to provide in the disaster zone. This includes efforts to finish 1,000 housing units across seven locations in Latakia, maintaining and equipping 40 schools that cater for 20,000 students as well as working with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to distribute food, winter clothing and blankets.

Those who have survived the earthquake need a united and focused international effort. The problems faced in Syria, exacerbated by one of the 21st-century’s worst natural disasters, have not gone away and there needs to be a strong re-focusing of attention on ways to get millions of people’s lives – changed as they may be – back on track.