Turkey-Syria earthquake: First aid convoy reaches opposition-held Idlib
The first convoy of UN aid for opposition-held north-west Syria since Monday's devastating earthquake has crossed into the region from Turkey.
2023-02-09 16:47:35 - VI News Staff
The UN said six lorries carrying shelter and relief supplies had gone through Idlib's Bab al-Hawa crossing.
The shipment had been due before the disaster, which caused damage to roads and temporarily halted deliveries.
Local rescuers expressed disappointment at the failure to send the special equipment they need to save lives.
"The UN aid... is the regular and periodic assistance that has been occurring since before the earthquake," tweeted the White Helmets, an organisation whose volunteer first responders operate in the region.
"It is not special aid and equipment for the search and rescue teams, and the recovery of those trapped under the rubble."
The UN migration agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said the lorries were carrying blankets, mattresses, tents and shelter material, as well as basic relief items and solar lamps, to cover the needs of at least 5,000 people.