More than five thousand people have been killed and many more injured after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake and several aftershocks caused widespread destruction in Turkey and Syria yesterday.
Overwhelmed rescuers are struggling to rescue people trapped under the rubble.
Thousands of buildings including many apartment blocks and hospitals have been destroyed, and thousands of people have been left injured and homeless.
Rescue efforts are said to be hampered by a lack of specialist equipment.
UNICEF says children are always among the most vulnerable when disaster strikes.
In response UNICEF’s Syria emergency appeal in Ireland has been launched.
Danny Smit of UNICEF Ireland says the scale of devastation is vast and the immediate aftermath of a disaster is the most critical time in terms of protecting the lives of children, whether that’s through emergency supplies or medical equipment.
Its efforts in the next few days are essential, and need urgent funds to support this work.
Danny has been telling Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley more about what their contacts on the ground are witnessing in Syria…
More information on UNICEF Ireland’s emergency Syria appeal can be found at www.unicef.ie
