*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 Aleppo and Idlib governorates, and to a lesser extent Lattakia, Tartous, Homs and Hama.
Priority needs: Enhancing the living conditions and services in the collective shelters is an urgent need. In addition to medical supplies, including ambulances and medicine; shelter and non-food items, including heating; emergency food assistance, WASH and psychosocial support.
Priority affected groups: 8.8 million people are affected across Syria, 6 million are in GoS-controlled areas mostly from Aleppo. More than 34,400 families are displaced.
Access: The aid delivery is hindered at cross border points between government controlled areas and northwest Syria as some parties would claim half of the cargo.
Shelter/NFIs: 900,000 people are in urgent need of shelter assistance across the country, with 509,000 people targeted. 18,500 families are currently sheltered in collective centers but more temporary shelters are being set up as occupancy keeps growing at risk of overcrowding.
Health: 1,414 dead and 2,357 injured people, mainly orthopedic trauma, with high risk of wound infection and tetanus. High needs of PSS. Health centers struggle with lack of resources, damaged facilities and lack of fuel.
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. Damaged WASH facilities and lack of running water in Aleppo, Lattakia and Tartous. Risks of cholera have been highlighted due to contamination of water.
Protection: Protection is a growing issue, with a large number of unaccompanied children and overcrowded shelters. Lack of assistance to the elderly and disabled people. High levels of distress among children and families, GBV and sexual harassment incidents reported in shelters in Aleppo and Lattakia.
Education: At least 900 schools were damaged by the earthquake and 170 used as shelters. More than 535,000 children can’t resume their education until those schools are safe and ready.
Food: Food prices keep rising and markets remain impacted by the earthquake, notably in Aleppo. Lack of bread availability was reported in all sub-districts affected by the earthquake, Update #9 | 21 of February 2023 3 in particular in collective centers, with infant formula being distributed in collective shelters in Aleppo.
Logistics: Weak internet communication and damages to the electricity grid are hampering the response, as well as significant fuel shortages. Mobile network stations damaged. Complications in receiving remittance in Aleppo force people to travel to Lattakia or Damascus .
