Many of these people have now found temporary shelter in camps, but are waking up to a harsh new reality, with neither stability nor the necessities for survival, particularly in Jindires. The earthquake had a clear impact on the city's water and sanitation system, which had already been severely weakened by over 12 years of war.
Jindires’ recently established ‘Al-Eman’ camp hosts 2,130 people; teams from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) are responding to people’s needs. Among those living in the camp is Emm Hassan, a mother of five, who had recently been displaced by the earthquake after her house collapsed. She had already been uprooted from western Aleppo due to the war.
“We have lost everything, including our normal life. Life in the camp is incredibly difficult,” says Emm Hassan. “With limited access to clean water, a lack of sanitation and hygiene facilities, our children are falling ill with diseases like cholera, scabies, and leishmaniasis. All five of my children contracted leishmaniasis, leaving scars on their faces that will take years to heal.”
When people arrived at the camp, they faced a lack of clean water. Each person had nine litres of water available, whereas international standards require 20 litres per day. There aren't enough latrines; just one for every 90 people. Additionally, there is no proper sewage system for waste disposal.