RCPCH Global Officer, Dr Sue Broster said:
The impact of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria has been catastrophic. As the death toll rises, thousands of homes and other buildings have been destroyed, children and their families have been left displaced and exposed to freezing cold winter temperatures. Schools, hospitals, and other medical and educational facilities have also been damaged or destroyed by the quakes, vastly impacting children and their futures.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster and with those on the ground providing desperately needed aid and saving lives. The impact of this disaster on children in this region will be devastating and long-lasting. It is essential that children, young people and their families remain at the heart of this emerency response effort and are able to access the emergency services and provisions they need.