Syria Requests Assistance from EU after Massive Earthquake

Rescuers from the White Helmets group, the Syrian Civil Defense operating in the area, and people look for survivors under the rubble of a collapsed building, after an earthquake hit Harem city, Idlib, Syria, 07 February 2023 (issued 08 February 2023). (EPA)

Syria has requested assistance from the European Union, two days after a massive earthquake hit it and neighboring Türkiye, the European Commission said on Wednesday.

"Earlier today, this morning, we have received a request from the government of Syria for assistance through the civil protection mechanism," European Commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic told reporters.

Lenarcic said member states were being encouraged to contribute with assistance as requested.

A country can request assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism when the scale of an emergency or disaster overwhelms its response capabilities.

Once activated, the EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre coordinates and finances assistance provided by EU member states and eight additional participating nations.