8.8 millionpeople are affectedby the earthquake in Syrian Arab Republic

31,700 core relief item kits have been releasedby UNHCR for distributionto affected families

Distribution of core relief items continuesin Aleppo, Latakia, Hama and Tartous UNHCR and partners preparing the relief items for distribution in Aleppo.©UNHCR/H. Maarouf

Overview of Developments

A magnitude 6.3 earthquakestruck southern Türkiyeat about 8 p.m. local time Monday20February, near its shared border with northern Syria. The quake, centered in Türkiye’s Hatay province,was also heavily felt in Aleppo, Latakia, Tartous and Damascus.People took immediately to the streets where theyspent the night once again. Families who were contemplating returning back to their homes are now returning back to collective shelters. Levels of distress are high,and UNHCR and partners are on the ground assisting affected families, including by providing psychosocial support, and also assessing new damages

Many schools that had been temporarily used as collective shelters are being restored to their original function, as other venues are gradually being identified and converted into collective shelters for families who cannot return to their homes.

Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees