Children smiling and holding thumbs up.

Syria Earthquakes, Two Years On

Two years after the devastating earthquakes on 6th February 2023, War Child and partners have supported over 125,000 children and their families in northwest Syria.

After living through over 12 years of war, the 2023 earthquakes left tens of thousands injured, around 109,000 people were forced to flee their homes, and tragically 4,500 died.

Children and their families lost everything. Forced from their homes, they had no choice but to live in tents with no running water or electricity. Beyond the physical trauma, the psychological impact was severe. Children were left fearing for their lives, unsure about their futures and struggling to cope with the devastation of both the war and the earthquakes. 

At the time, 90% of people in northwest Syria depended on humanitarian aid, with increasing needs for mental health support, education, and basic survival items.

Collapsed buildings in Syria after the earthquakes.
Collapsed buildings in Syria after the earthquakes.

War Child’s Response

From February 2023 to December 2024, War Child and partners supported:
  • 70 K

    Children in total.

  • 24 K

    Children and caregivers with mental health support.

  • 10.5 K

    Families with shelter and essential items.

Over the past two years, War Child and local partners have provided food, menstrual kits, shelter, blankets, tents, and heating to help support children and families. 

We also renovated 22 schools to ensure schooling could continue, and created safe spaces where so that children could process their trauma through play and art. 

A child smiling whilst in a War Child classroom in Syria.

War Child worked closely with other specialist agencies to refer nearly 800 children for addition support, including those who are unaccompanied or separated from their families.

Psychological support was also offered to adult family members, to help improve home environments for themselves and their children.

Raina standing in front of a temporary home in Syria.

Rania's story

Rania, a 38-year-old mother of eight, endured immense psychological and social pressures due to Syria’s ongoing crises and devastating earthquakes.

Find out more

War Child was only able to do this crucial work thanks to our incredible supporters who have put vulnerable children and their families in their hearts. Thank you! 

However, our work is as important as ever. Millions of children in Syria are still at risk, and their needs remain high, worsened by recent escalations and ongoing insecurity in northern Syria. It is crucial that support continues, ensuring children have access to education, protection, and mental health support.

 

We won’t stop until every child living through conflict is safe from harm. But we can’t do it without you. 

Donate to War Child today and help us be there for children in Syria and other conflict zones around the world.

Donate now