*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 and about 6 million people in Government-controlled areas.
Priority needs in both government-controlled areas and northwest include heavy machines for debris removal; medical supplies, including ambulances and medicine; shelter and non-food items, including heating; emergency food assistance and WASH. Fuel, machines and equipment for debris removal are urgently needed in northwest Syria.
Priority affected groups: More than 298,000 people left their homes in Government-controlled areas. At least 30,000 people were displaced in the northwest.
Access: 14 trucks carrying humanitarian aid were finally allowed to enter northwest Syria through Bab al-Salama, al-Rai and Bab al-Hawa border crossing points. Turkish authorities are discussing opening another crossing into Government-held areas in Idlib. Al Watan reports that an agreement was reached between the Government of Syria and opposition groups in northwest Syria and shipments will start on Saturday to Idlib via Saraqib.
Shelter/NFIs: In the northwest, Violet organization estimated that 100% of buildings were damaged in Besnaya-Bseineh and Atma (Idlib governorate), 90% in Armanaz (Idlib) and Atareb (Aleppo), 80% in Sarmada, Dana, Termanin and Milis (Idlib), 75% in Jandairis (Aleppo). At least 11,000 families are homeless.
Health: Already strained health facilities are overwhelmed by the number of casualties, with at least 5,252 injured people and 3,384 deaths across areas. Casualties numbers are expected to rise significantly. While medical structures in the region were already severely lacking before the earthquake, the largest two medical organizations in the northwest, UOSSM and SAMS, reported many of their facilities being out of service and evacuated.
WASH: Significant damage to the water networks reported, with 12 high water tanks damaged or affected in Government-held areas. In Lattakia, the Ghaniri reservoir threatens to burst in a residential area. Access to WASH in north-west Syria is extremely challenging, with a significant internal displacement wave expected from communities to camps.
Education: 599 schools damaged in Government-controlled areas.
Logistics: Weak internet communication and damages to the electricity grid are hampering the response.
