UN-Habitat plans an initial rapid assessment of damage in affected cities in Syria. It is reported that the death toll from the devastating earthquake that hit Syria and Türkiye soared to nearly 11,000 people. Reliefweb quoted a WHO official warning that the figure could reach 20,000.
The 7.8 magnitude quake struck near Gaziantep, Türkiye, in the early hours followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor hours later. Numerous aftershocks are causing additional damage to the building putting local communities further at risk.
“Our initial rapid damage assessment will help mitigate the risks and avoid further disasters when people can get killed and injured if damaged buildings collapse,” said Hiroshi Takabayashi, Human Settlements Officer, UN-Habitat Syria.
Takabayashi said that after the emergency life-saving stage, UN-Habitat plans a detailed structural assessment of buildings and constructions to prevent further collapse and identify additional risk areas, working hand in hand with UNDP and other UN agencies through the sector coordination mechanism on the ground. UN-Habitat is in contact with the authorities in Türkiye, including the affected provinces of Gaziantep and Osmaniye, to identify ways to support them.
“My heart is with the people of Türkiye and Syria who were affected by the earthquake. My condolences go to the families of the victims. Disasters affect urban areas the most and we need resources to rebuild. We stand ready to support local and national governments,” tweeted hours after the earthquake Executive Director of UN-Habitat Maimunah Mohd Sharif.