Damascus, Feb 8,2023: A UN joint statement has said that nearly 70 per cent of the population was in need of humanitarian assistance even before the massive 7.8-magnitude quake struck the country devastated by the 12-year prolonged crisis.

The statement was issued on Tuesday by the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for Syria, El-Mostafa Benlamlih, and the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, Muhannad Hadi.

“We express our sincere condolences to the victims’ families and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. We stand in solidarity with the people of Syria and Turkey during this time of need. Urgent support is needed to be able to respond to all those who have been affected in this terrible tragedy,” Benlamlih was quoted as saying.

Syria’s ongoing crisis has destroyed much of its public infrastructure and left millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance.

The war-torn nation is also grappling with an economic collapse and a severe water, electricity and fuel shortages, said the statement.

“We appeal to all donor partners to provide the assistance necessary to alleviate suffering,” said Hadi.

“This tragedy will have a devastating impact on many already vulnerable families who struggle to provide for their loved ones on a daily basis,” he added.

The UN and humanitarian partners have said that they are currently focusing on immediate needs, including food, shelter, non-food items and medicine.

In Syria, at least 2,032 people have died and another 3,849 people have been injured as a result of the devastating earthquake that struck on Monday.

Aleppo, Lattakia, Hama, Idlib and Tartus were the most affected.