UAE Opens 300 Housing Units in Syria to Provide Earthquake Relief and Shelter to 1,500 Displaced People

 

The UAE has opened 300 housing units in Latakia, western Syria to provide shelter for earthquake survivors. This is part of a larger project to build 1,000 homes commissioned by the Emirates Red Crescent. 

The units are intended to house around 1,500 people displaced by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck near the Turkey-Syria border in February 2023. This quake and subsequent aftershocks killed over 50,000 people in Turkey and 7,000 in Syria, destroying thousands of homes and leaving many without shelter during winter.

As part of its Operation Gallant Knight 2 relief efforts, the Emirates Red Crescent aims to support those affected by the earthquakes. In addition to the 300 opened housing units, the foundation has been laid for another project that will include 500 homes, as well as a school, commercial center, mosque, medical center and other infrastructure. 

The ERC has also sent medical equipment, supplies and vehicles worth AED 40 million to benefit hospitals and repair schools in Latakia, which serves over 9 million people. This is part of the UAE's commitment to humanitarian support for the Syrian people and improving living conditions after the natural disasters.