White Helmets’ Response to the Earthquake in Syria

The White Helmets, (Syria Civil Defense), responded to the recent massive earthquakes in Syria as they have responded to countless airstrikes over the years.

To search for and rescue victims buried under the rubble of buildings is what they have been doing in north-western Syria for many years, during the war.

They rescued approximately 3,000 people after the earthquake. They also recovered 2,171 bodies from the rubble. The death toll was in the thousands.

The aftermath of the earthquake will be felt for many years to come. There are mountains of rubble left behind, thousands of homeless families, thousands of injured people, and emotional trauma that has scarred those affected.

The White Helmets are now working on removing the rubble strategically to cause the least amount of environmental damage.

They have created shelter camps, and are currently treating the injured with limited medical equipment and supplies.

In a place where daily existence has been a struggle for 12 years, the strong will of the people is all that keeps them going. The White Helmets are heroes in the strongest sense of the word.

We need the world to support the Syrian people and to support the White Helmets, whose care is so vital to survival in the area.