Qatar Fund for Development supports the operations of Syria Civil Defence / the White Helmets, in response to the devastating impact of the earthquake in Syria. To contribute in the search and rescue operations and logistical needs so that the White Helmets team in Syria can continue its work and rescue the victims.

This support covers The White Helmets’ critical need for logistic supplies to continue their efforts in responding to the devastating humanitarian situation that has resulted from the earthquake. The project will mainly support the search and rescue teams to strengthen their response and save people currently trapped under the rubble and retrieve the bodies. This support will also address the much needed repair of the ambulances currently working around the clock to transfer wounded people to the hospitals. Adding to that, it will assist in meeting the critical demands for fuel to operate heavy vehicles that are deemed essential for the rescue operations. The funding will also cover activities that will be deemed essential for the recovery of the affected areas and rehabilitation of essential infrastructure.

The needs of the affected population are huge. The earthquake has resulted in thousands of injuries and deaths, with those impacted currently stranded in the winter cold. Adverse weather conditions, including low temperatures and stormy weather, have compounded the dire situation. The White Helmets declared a state of emergency in Northwest Syria on the day of the earthquake and responded as soon as the catastrophe the hit. Having gathered its full capacity of human and logistic efforts, the teams are working 24 hours a day to save the lives of those who were affected by the earthquake.

Syria Civil Defence / The White Helmets works on Health and Protection, Search and Rescue, Community Resilience, as well as the human rights focused program Justice and Accountability.

Source: Qatar Fund for Development