One year after a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Syria and Turkey, the situation for survivors in Syria remains dire. The earthquake, which killed over 59,000 people, compounded the challenges in Syria, where conflict, poverty, and displacement were already rampant. Many earthquake survivors live in makeshift tented settlements with no reconstruction in sight.
The destruction of hospitals, electrical systems, and water infrastructure has worsened the humanitarian crisis. International aid initially flowed, but donor fatigue, the COVID-19 pandemic, and conflicts elsewhere led to a reduction in assistance. The UN’s World Food Program announced a halt to its main assistance program in Syria in 2024.
The earthquake’s impact, combined with enduring conflict, has left Syrians grappling with extreme poverty, food insecurity, and inadequate living conditions. Humanitarian organizations face funding challenges, and without a political resolution, long-term development plans remain elusive. The resilience of Syrians is evident as they strive to rebuild amidst significant obstacles.