After the severe earthquake on 6 February, another quake hit Turkey and Syria a good week ago. The humanitarian situation in the civil war zone in northern Syria remains dramatic, with freezing weather conditions exacerbating the situation. Donor-funded aid supplies have now arrived on the ground and further help is being prepared.

Through an EMS member church, the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, 600 parcels of food and warm clothing have now reached needy families in the Syrian regions of Idlib, Aleppo and Latakia. Volunteers and church staff are still working hard to prepare more packages. As there is a lack of winter-proof accommodation, bedding, woollen blankets and warm covers were prepared for dispatch in addition to food. This aid and further deliveries were made possible, among other things, by the financial support of the worldwide EMS Fellowship. Archbishop Hosam E. Naoum of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East had launched an appeal shortly after the first earthquake, which the EMS distributed through its network.

For God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7).

"The northern part of our diocese is earthquake zone. We are therefore very grateful for the overwhelming response from the EMS community to our appeal for the earthquake victims in Syria. Thanks to these generous donations, we were able to send relief packages to hundreds of families," says Archbishop Naoum. Church networks are currently making an important contribution to emergency relief. In order to ensure that the relief supplies reach northern Syria, the Episcopal Church is working with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO). This aid organisation has the necessary contacts with the United Nations and has a well-functioning supply chain as well as a convoy system.

EMS aid literally keeps families alive

Preparations are underway to continue providing aid to hundreds of families in the coming weeks. There is still a great need for food, but hygiene items, sanitation and drinking water are also needed. "Thank you to everyone who has already responded to this appeal. Your help is literally keeping families alive in the aftermath of this huge disaster as the reconstruction efforts move forward in the weeks and months ahead," writes the head of the Episcopal Church.

The EMS continues to appeal for donations for the earthquake victims in northern Syria.

Donation account: Evangelische Mission in Solidarität (EMS)
Evangelische Bank eG IBAN DE85 5206 0410 0000 0001 24 BIC GENODEF1EK1