Prime Minister: Earthquake has caused massive damage and priority is for rescuing those under the rubble

Aleppo, (ST) – Prime Minister, Eng. Hussein Arnous affirmed that the damage caused by the earthquake is massive, especially in Aleppo and Latakia. He indicated that the priority now is to rescue those under the rubble.

Arnous said during his visit to Aleppo to inspect the sites affected by the earthquake “there is a massive damage in Lattakia and we may resort to declare some places as disaster-stricken areas. I hope that the situation will not be the same in Aleppo.”

The premier was accompanied in his tour by Minister of Public Works and Housing Suhail Abdul Latif and Minister of Health Hassan Al-Ghabbash.

He added that great efforts have been exerted within the framework of the rescue operations despite weak capabilities as a result of the unjust war and the cooperation and bravery of all those doing this humanitarian work have compensated for the shortages.

Arnous pointed out that most of the friendly and brotherly countries have sent aid, and many countries have expressed their willingness to bring humanitarian aid into Syria.

He criticized the position of the United States and some countries that have hesitated to provide assistance, pointing out that this negative position will be documented in history and in the conscience of humanity.

For his part, Minister of Health Hassan Al-Ghabbash revealed that the number of deaths in the affected governorates reached 1,262, and the injuries reached 2,285, in a non-final toll. In Aleppo, the number of deaths has so far reached 415, and the injuries are 1,050. He indicated that such a huge disaster adds pressure on the health sector, which has already been suffering, mainly from a scarcity in medical materials and equipment as a result of  the Western sanctions and the unjust blockade imposed on Syria.

“Despite this, the necessary requirements for the work of hospitals have been provided, and the medical staff is doing its duty to the fullest”, he added.

Al-Ghabbash said: “We have received a lot of calls in the Ministry of Health from many doctors, whether from home or abroad, and we welcome their initiatives, but the need is primarily for life-saving medical equipment”.

He went on to say that the World Health Organization has been informed of the dire need for all medical supplies, adding that a batch of aid will arrive today or tomorrow.

Al-Ghabbash also said that the blockade prevents many companies from supplying medical devices, equipment, and medicines to Syria, and we demand from the heart of this disaster the international community, the World Health Organization, and all organizations and countries to intervene immediately and urgently to provide all possible assistance to the health sector and all life-saving sectors.

Raghda Sawas