The United Nations announced on 9 February that the first UN aid convoy had arrived in earthquake-stricken northwest Syria. However, it did not contain the life-saving aid and equipment needed in the quake's aftermath.
The Syrian volunteer rescue group, the White Helmets, expressed their disappointment that the aid had been scheduled prior to the earthquake and fell well short of what is needed on the ground.
Those in Aleppo, Syria, affected by the massive earthquakes that hit Turkey and northwest Syria on Monday have been left without assistance or aid apart from the White Helmets who have tirelessly been digging through debris to find survivors.
What relief arose from the arrival of a UN convoy bringing aid to the region, was quickly diminished when it was discovered that the convoy had been scheduled prior to the earthquake and therefore, did not contain the specific and necessary aid needed to help volunteers find and dig out survivors.
A doctor told the BBC that the medical supplies they currently have are not enough for even 20% of the population in the north of Syria. Additionally, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) stated to Reuters that it was running out of stocks in the northwest of the country. Currently, around 90% of the local population depends on assistance and aid.
International aid is almost impossible to get into the region, as the only remaining road between the Syrian-Turkish border was severely damaged in the earthquake.
Other pathways between the two countries were previously closed by Russia which stated that all international aid should go through Damascus. However, as the region struck by the earthquake is in rebel-territory, it is unlikely that aid sent to the capital would reach the desired destination.
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The current death toll is 20,000, with 17,674 confirmed deaths in Turkey. Survivors and the bodies of those who did not survive are constantly being dug out in both countries.
To make donations directly to the White Helmets, find their website here.
