IFRC urges solidarity with Türkiye, Syria on quake anniversary
An aerial view shows U.N. children's agency UNICEF tents in the foreground for the displaced in the town of Jindayris northwest of Aleppo province on Feb.1, 2024. (AFP Photo)


The head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) urged renewed solidarity with Türkiye and Syria on the first anniversary of the devastating earthquakes, in order to respond to the needs of survivors.

"One year has passed since the devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria affecting the lives of millions of people. Today, I call for renewed solidarity to address pressing humanitarian and recovery needs," Jagan Chapagain said on X.

Reminding that the IFRC launched two emergency appeals, one for each country, Chapagain lamented that both are still "significantly underfunded."

"Further support and funding are urgently needed to make a significant impact on the lives of those affected and empower people to rebuild their lives," he urged. "No crisis should be overlooked."

Catastrophic twin earthquakes of magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 shook southern Türkiye and northern Syria on Feb. 6, leveling thousands of buildings and claiming the lives of over 53,000 people.