Syria, a 45-year-old widow and mother of five from Aleppo in Syria. She recounts the harrowing night of the earthquake that shook her world on 06 February 2023. She and her family, scrambled out of their building in their pyjamas fearing for their lives. The next day, they were requested to evacuate due to damage inflicted on the building. Sadly, the building later collapsed.

Despite the chaos, the family did not seek refuge in shelters because they were hesitant to be in close quarters with strangers. Instead, they used rugs and set up makeshift tents alongside the road with other families that chose the streets over shelters.

“My two younger sons are out of school, working to keep our family afloat. We often went without food until someone from the local community would bring us some. I kept my children warm using firewood and shrubs,” Syria said.

Samira, Syria's sister, echoes her sibling's sentiment. “The earthquake terrified us. We were fortunate to escape with our lives”. Local residents provided them with blankets and mattresses, but they are still waiting for aid to come through. Unable to afford rent, the family appealed for help from anyone willing to provide them with a place to live. Their young children had left school to work in a sewing factory, earning only 60,000 Syrian Pounds (US$7-8) per month. They were struggling to survive on that meagre income.

Syria and Samira represent the countless families affected by the earthquake, struggling to make ends meet and keep their loved ones safe.