Two months of hunger and fear – A major humanitarian tragedy in southern Turkey and eastern Syria

Syrian refugees in Turkey are sleeping on pavements and under bridges after losing their homes. The situation is not much better for Turks who are facing economic crises and the government’s inability to provide alternative housing for those who have lost their homes.

“Two months after the devastating earthquake in early February near the Turkish-Syrian border, women are still living in millions in shock, overwhelmed by fear and hunger, unable to move forward or get through the crisis.”

Human tragedy

WFP staff are also suffering the fallout, even as they continue to work long hours to support the humanitarian response, with WFP food assistance reaching 3.7 million people affected by the earthquake in both Turkey and Syria, Major News International reported.

“I feel I need the support of my brothers and sisters in both countries,” said Nikva Baikush, WFP’s logistics coordinator for northern Syria.

Baykush lost family, childhood friends and her house to the earthquake – along with WFP supervisor, chief logistics assistant Levent Kokkasan, however, she continues.

“The work of aid workers is making a difference, helping to ease the enormous hardships endured by survivors, the website said, noting that some of the survivors lay pavements for night’s sleep and some hide under bridges.”

IDP crises

According to the International News Network, IDPs are facing a new form of crisis: they are homeless, as house prices have skyrocketed in both Turkey and northern Syria, with governments unable to provide alternative housing; Thousands of victims took to the streets to sleep.

“Dozens of families have lost their members, their jobs and their homes, leaving them homeless, without a home, work or income, and with prices soaring due to inflation, especially in Turkey, things for Syrian refugees have become almost impossible.”

Thousands are in urgent need of assistance, as the crisis in Turkey and Syria is unprecedented, he added, pointing out that thousands of children are in need of major humanitarian assistance to overcome the consequences of the earthquake and the fear that haunts them.