For Immediate Release
February 6, 2023
The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is on the ground in Syria responding to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Syria, Turkey, and the region this morning.
Our hospitals are overwhelmed with patients filling the hallways. There is an immediate need for trauma supplies and a comprehensive emergency response to save lives and treat the injured. SAMS is reaching out to its healthcare partners to deliver a coordinated intervention and is contacting its numerous humanitarian stakeholders to share updates on the situation as it develops
From our latest communications, about 190 people are dead and over 800 injured with the numbers expected to rise as rescue operations continue and patients are recovered from the rubble.
“Across our operational facilities, we’ve been receiving victims of the quake as they come into our hospitals while simultaneously working to guarantee the wellbeing of our over 1,700 staff in Syria, and 90 at the epicenter near Gaziantep, Turkey,” said SAMS’ President Dr. Amjad Rass.
Many hospitals are full, but some critical facilities, including Al Dana Hospital had to evacuate patients after sustaining severe damage from the earthquake. Likewise, the Idleb Maternity Hospital was forced to transfer all newborns to a nearby hospital. Additionally, we have since evacuated an additional 2 hospitals to maintain the safety of patients and staff and protect them from the damage caused by the quake.
SAMS is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to mobilize more aid as needed in concert with all humanitarian partners.
For all media inquiries please contact:
Mayssoun Olabi
molabi@sams-usa.net
+905370301299
