Today's top news: Türkiye, Syria

Search and rescue efforts continue in Syria. OCHA/Ali Haj Suleiman

Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

According to the latest data available, more than 5,000 fatalities and 20,000 injuries have been reported.

The death toll is expected to rise in both Türkiye and Syria, as many are still trapped under rubble.

More than 300 aftershocks have been reported.

The UN and our partners are looking to mobilize emergency funds in the region. Assessments are ongoing, and results are expected in the coming days.

Syria

In Syria, humanitarian organizations are supporting immediate response efforts, including: search and rescue operations; provision of ready-to-eat food and hot meals to displaced families and those who have lost their homes; provision of non-food items, water, medicine, first aid and trauma care, dignity kits, and psychosocial support.

Even before this latest emergency, some 15.3 million people in Syria were assessed to require humanitarian assistance in 2023. The humanitarian community has been working to meet those needs with very limited funding, and we are counting on the international community to help.
In addition to the Central Emergency Fund allocation of $25 million, more funds are urgently required, including to the Syrian Humanitarian Fund and Syrian Cross-Border Fund, which is currently depleted.