BEIRUT, February 16: The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Thursday increased its appeals for emergency funds from 200 million Swiss francs (about US$216 million) to 650 millions to respond to the growing humanitarian needs in the aftermath of the earthquake. -Hit Syria and Türkiye.
“The IFRC will offer 450 million Swiss francs to Türkiye and 200 million Swiss francs to Syria,” IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain said at a press conference held at Beirut airport after his visit to Syria and before to leave for Türkiye.
Chapagain described the reality in the two countries affected by the earthquake as a tragedy, especially in the Syrian region of Aleppo.
The tragedy has been exacerbated by a lack of fuel, electricity and dilapidated infrastructure, he said.
“People live in mosques and schools in bitter cold and many are unable to shower, which has exacerbated the health crisis in Aleppo, especially with regard to cholera,” he added.
