After earthquake – Syrians are afraid to return to their homes

The earthquake hits Syria at a time of crisis. War and high food prices made daily life almost impossible, and then thousands of people lost their homes in the earthquake. “Engineers – even retirees – have now been asked to assess whether the existing houses are habitable,” explained Andreas Knapp, secretary general of Caritas, who is currently in Syria and coordinating relief efforts on the ground.

“Buildings that are in danger of collapsing must be blown up. It is terrible when people have to see their houses reduced to rubble.” But there is also good news: “The fact that the sanctions have been lifted makes aid workers optimistic.” Medicines and other aid items have already been distributed. the focus of Caritas’ work is on expanding emergency shelters.”People are making makeshift tents out of plastic sheeting. They need decent housing,” says Knapp.

Two Austrians among the dead
A week after the catastrophic earthquake in the Turkish-Syrian border area, hopes of finding survivors are dwindling. Nevertheless, a 13-year-old boy was rescued alive in the Turkish province of Hatay on Monday after 182 hours. The number of confirmed deaths has now risen to more than 37,500 and more than 80,000 people were injured. UN emergency coordinator Martin Griffiths, who arrived in Aleppo on Monday, expects up to 50,000 dead.

Among the dead in Turkey are two Austrian citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has no information about the missing. An injured Austrian is currently receiving medical care at a hospital and is being supported by the embassy in Ankara as he prepares to return home, the APA said.