Charity opens earthquake emergency relief fund

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has opened an emergency fund for people in northern Syria desperate for help after a series of devastating earthquakes.

The charity is appealing for funds to support local Church partners helping those plunged into dire need by the disaster.

ACN is currently speaking to project partners as it plans an aid package that will focus on two key areas.

Firstly, it will support repairs in Aleppo which will allow those currently being sheltered by the Church to return to their homes.

This includes repairs to heating and water systems as well as structural damage resulting from the quakes.

It is estimated that more than 7,500 people slept in Aleppo’s churches, convents and other locations after the quake.

The Mekhitarists – an Armenian-Catholic religious order – are sheltering 2,000 people in the school they run in Aleppo, and need more help.

Secondly, ACN will provide blankets, food and other essential aid for those who have been forced out of their homes by the natural disaster.

Franciscans are caring for people in Lattakia affected by the earthquake including children and the elderly.