In the wake of the catastrophic earthquakes that struck parts of Turkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023, our partner the Syrian Expatriate Medical Association (SEMA) has been hard at work in Syria, providing for the affected population.

Providing essential items for affected populations in Syria

In the wake of the catastrophic earthquakes that struck parts of Turkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023, our partner the Syrian Expatriate Medical Association (SEMA) has been hard at work in Syria, providing for the affected population.

Published

In the wake of the catastrophic earthquakes that struck parts of T rkiye and Syria on 6 February 2023, our partner the Syrian Expatriate Medical Association (SEMA) has been hard at work in Syria, providing for the affected population.
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SEMA delivering water to people affected by the Syria/T rkiye earthquake. Rami Sabbagh/SEMA

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, SEMA distributed clean drinking water and ready-to-eat food packages to those affected in Jindires in Aleppo and in Kafar Loucine in Idlib. They have provided 100 tents for sheltering against the harsh winter (50 tents in Jindires and 50 in Kafar Loucine).
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SEMA building tents after the Syria/T rkiye earthquake. Rami Sabbagh/SEMA

SEMA runs three hospitals in different cities in Syria which are currently at full capacity. They have now established mobile clinics in Jindires to respond quickly to urgent medical needs. Each clinic is supplied with a doctor, midwife, nurse, data entry assistant and driver. An additional five mobile clinics will also be established.
In Jindires, SEMA has distributed:
  • 2,000 packages of bread for 1,000 families
  • 1,000 boxes of water for 500 families
  • Established a camp containing 51 tents (for 51 families)
  • Every family has received two sponges, one mat, 50 litres of diesel, and two blankets
  • 50 Food baskets have been distributed to 50 families
  • One mobile clinic with a doctor, midwife, nurse, data entry assistant and driver is already functioning
  • Child protection teams have carried out protection activities in the work area.
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SEMA bringing mobile clinics to those affected by the earthquake. Ammar Nassar/SEMA

In Kafar Loucine district in Idlib, SEMA has provided:
  • A shelter centre for 48 families
  • Clean drinking water and ready-to-eat food baskets for the 48 families
  • Heaters and fuel for heating in the shelter centre.

SEMA delivering fuel after the Syria/T rkiye earthquake. Ibrahim Matrooh/SEMA

HelpAge will continue to assess the situation and provide emergency aid to local populations, especially older people, as they are one of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in times of crisis. We are making sure that the rescue and relief efforts are inclusive of older people and respond to their specific needs.
Our focus for now is providing access to safe shelter, fuel for heating, hot ready-to-eat meals as well as warm clothes and blankets to protect against the harsh weather conditions.