Local groups working to help Syrians left homeless by massive earthquake

SEATTLE — Amid the devastation of Monday’s earthquake that leveled parts of Turkey and Syria, a new worry: what will happen to the children who survive?

Much of the world’s attention has been trained on Turkey, where the massive earthquake struck Monday.

But the damage is just as extensive across the border in Northern Syria.

A Seattle woman is working from here to help relatives and others in Syria, and she has been doing that work nearly around the clock since that massive earthquake struck.

“This is in Syria,” said Rita Zaweideh, founder of SCM Medical Missions, as she showed pictures on her computer. “They just pulled this kid out of the rubble.”

It is Syria that has occupied Zaweideh’s days since Monday. That’s when the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated southern Turkey also laid waste to northern Syria.

“This is the planes that we had that went off today,” she said. “They were filled with all the medical goods and stuff we had on that.”

She says that, because of U.S. sanctions, those goods have to go through her native Jordan. That, plus the continuing civil war between the Syrian military and the rebels, creates a confusing set of challenges for charities like hers trying to help.

“So you can’t get relief efforts; they’re not going in,” she said. “Not going into Idlib, but they are going into Aleppo.”

Mark Smith, the vice president for humanitarian and emergency affairs with Federal Way-based World Vision, says the lack of government control in the hardest hit areas in Syria means millions of people already displaced by the ongoing civil war are suffering mightily.

“The situation in Syria is quite desperate,” said Smith. “Where are they going to sleep? Where are they going to take shelter from the elements?”

A big worry now is the impact on the children who survive.

“Caregivers may have passed away,” Smith said. “Parents may not be available. And children now become at risk of being preyed upon ... Predators (are) looking to exploit them ... It’s tragic.”

If you are moved to help, they both say sending money is the best way.

So, you may send donations to SCM Medical Missions and World Vision.

They say no amount is too small.

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