One Year After Earthquakes in Türkiye & Syria, Millions of Children Still Need Urgent Support

In the early hours of Feb. 6, 2023, parents pulled sleeping children from their beds and rushed out into the streets as the first of two devastating earthquakes struck southern Türkiye and northern Syria. Thousands of children were killed and injured; families were left homeless and without access to essential services, including safe water, education and medical care.

One year later, the impacts of the catastrophe continue to reverberate for children.

In Syria, the earthquakes were the latest in a series of interconnected crises: nearly 13 years of hostilities, destruction and a deteriorating economy have created one of the world’s most complex emergencies. In 2024, an estimated 7.48 million children are in need of humanitarian assistance. The harsh winter and freezing temperatures are only making things worse. 

In Türkiye, the earthquakes affected 13.5 million Turkish citizens and 1.7 million registered refugees, including 5.4 million children – 811,000 of whom are refugees. Today, nearly 4 million children in Türkiye require humanitarian aid. Education has been disrupted, children are experiencing psychological problems, and access to water and sanitation remains limited due to damaged infrastructure.

Lives turned upside down in an instant

“The earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria a year ago turned the lives of millions of children upside down from one minute to the next. Thousands of lives were lost, while homes, schools and health centers were crushed, along with any sense of safety for many children,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, who visited both countries just weeks after the initial earthquakes.

“Government support and humanitarian efforts have helped families to slowly put their lives back together and have provided children with a way to process their experiences. But far too many families, especially in northern Syria, continue to be impacted by a humanitarian crisis that has no end in sight,” Russell added. 

"I heard layers of the earth cracking and the walls move." — Maysaa, 14

Earthquake survivor Maysaa, now 14, remembers vividly how the buildings started swaying in Lattakia as she rushed to help her younger sister to safety. Originally from Aleppo, Maysaa and her family moved to escape the conflict, only to find themselves in the middle of yet another emergency.

"It was the most terrifying thing in my life," Maysaa said. "I felt so scared." Attending a UNICEF-supported school has helped her recover from the trauma she experienced. Watch the video to hear Maysaa's story in her own words: 

UNICEF is on the ground before, during and after emergencies

“The situation for the affected children in Türkiye continues to improve, but there is still much to be done,” said Russell. “In Syria, the humanitarian situation for children and families continues to worsen. Without more humanitarian efforts and resources to restore essential services like education, water and sanitation systems, children in Syria will continue to face a vicious cycle of deprivation and crisis.”

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to ensure children receive the support and services they need to reach their full potential. Your contribution can make a difference. Please donate.

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