*This report is a product of the DEEP Remote Analysis Team comprising analysts and other professionals from Data Friendly Space (DFS). DFS wants to acknowledge the significant contributions of its staff to the analytical process, as well as their roles in the publication and finalisation of this report. The DEEP Remote Analysis Team has worked to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the findings presented herein. DFS appreciates the collaborative effort in bringing forth this comprehensive report, reflecting the combined expertise of all teams involved.
Priority geographical areas: The earthquakes severely affected northwest Syria, home to about 4.5 million people. The districts with the highest number of deaths and injuries are Harim, followed by Afrin and Jisr-Ash-Shugur.
Priority needs: Priority needs include heavy machines for debris removal; healthcare (including ambulances and medicine such as antipyretic painkillers and antibiotics for children), shelter and non-food items (tents, isolation sheets, blankets, tarpaulins, mattresses and hygiene kits, including for women and girls and heating), emergency food assistance and WASH (including drinking water).
Priority affected groups: Major damage has been reported in northern Syria, with 8.8 million people affected across the country. At least 55,000 people displaced in the northwest, could be up to 90,000 (local sources provided a much higher number of 181,943 people).
Access: As of 19 February, a total of 197 trucks loaded with aid provided by six UN agencies have so far crossed to north-west Syria since the earthquakes. Between 17 and 19 February, 54 trucks carrying aid by WFP, WHO, UNICEF and IOM crossed through the Bab Al-Hawa (47 trucks) and Bab Al-Salam (7 trucks) border crossings.
Shelter/NFIs: At least 15,000 buildings are reported destroyed or damaged in northwest Syria, mostly in Harim and Afrin, leaving 11,000 families homeless. 900,000 people are in urgent need of shelter assistance across the country, with 509,000 people targeted.
Health: Already strained health facilities are being overwhelmed by the number of casualties, with estimates as high as 12,400 people injured. 55 health facilities were partially or fully damaged and medical, surgical equipment are limited as well as ICU beds. Needs are increasing in terms of cholera mental health support while cholera and malnutrition cases are increasingly reported.
WASH: Limited access to WASH services in earthquake-affected areas puts people at risk of waterborne diseases, with 64% of those affected having WASH needs and over 80% requiring hygiene kits according to initial estimates from WASH partners.
Protection: Protection is a growing issue, with a large number of unaccompanied children and overcrowded shelters, sexual harassment and inadequate shelter arrangements remains a concern.
Food: Markets are generally accessible according to KIs in about 80% of communities. Increased item unavailability reported in Ariha and Janudiyeh sub-districts. Shortages of food items in Idleb and surrounding areas. High food insecurity levels were however reported, with mothers facing major difficulties to get infant formula.
