French volunteers are still working hard to help victims ten days after the earthquake
SOS Chrétiens d'Orient is a French non-governmental aid organisation in the Middle East. They have been providing support to oriental Christians in need in many Middle Eastern and some African countries. After the earthquake that shook Northeastern Syria, they immediately rushed to help the people affected by the disaster . Benjamin Blanchard, general director of the organisation reported about their humanitarian work in the area of Northeastern Syria, which continues ten days after the earthquake.
How do you help the people affected by the earthquake?
Since the first day after the earthquake, we have been conducting needs assessments and emergency donations in the various shelters hosting the affected inhabitants. So far, SOS Chrétiens d’Orient volunteers have distributed about two tons of food, several hundred packs of medicines, more than two tons of hygiene products and about 400kg of baby milk to people in need. In total, more than four tons of basic materials have been distributed to several thousand of beneficiaries.
Ruins in Aleppo. Source: Facebook/SOS Chrétiens d’Orient
Where are you at the moment?
We have a permanent office in Aleppo, which has allowed us to react immediately. Since the very first tremors, our team in the field has been working to provide emergency aid to Syrians in need.
How is the situation in the area where you work?
The situation is tragic, several buildings have collapsed, and more than 200 will certainly be demolished due to the damage to their structures. 275 host shelters have been opened throughout Syria to house people who cannot or are afraid to return home for the moment. We can help the victims in different ways: through emergency donations to provide them with basic materials, and the rehabilitation of damaged houses and flats. We must not forget that the Syrians are currently suffering a terrible economic crisis and that this earthquake is making an already catastrophic situation even worse.
Ruins in Aleppo. Source: Facebook/SOS Chrétiens d’Orient
How can people who want to help the Syrians support your work?
SOS Chrétiens d’Orient has a permanent mission in the field; we have an expatriate in Aleppo and a big team of collaborators and volunteers who help us to carry out our daily actions. Syria is going through countless crises, so SOS Chrétiens d’Orient continues to implement its actions thanks to the generosity of its donors. You can support martyred Syria by making a donation on: jedonne.soschretiensdorient.fr
Photo: Facebook/SOS Chrétiens d’Orient
