Thread by @SyrianACD

As aftermath of ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in NW #Syria & #Turkey unfolds, while affected areas still under threat of aftershocks, it’s very alarming that 30+ hours after main earthquake hit, there’s still NO effective delivery of int’l humanitarian or logistical aid. 1/ 🧵

The window of opportunity to save innocent lives currently under the rubble (estimated to be in thousands) is closing, while there is a serious shortage of food, shelter and medical supplies to assist the survivors, in the midst of extremely adverse weather conditions. 2/ #Syria

We must not allow the tragedy in north west Syria to be overshadowed by identical circumstances in neighbouring #Turkey. NW #Syria is suffering already due to continued attacks from Syrian regime and #Russia, which has made the infrastructure vulnerable and prone to collapse. 3/

Instead of this driving more aid, we have seen almost no international aid as response to the #earthquake in north west #Syria so far. 4/

Cross-border humanitarian assistance and logistical support, especially heavy machinery needed to save lives under rubble, must be facilitated at once to save innocent lives under the rubble and of those injured. 5/ #Syria #earthquake

All border crossings must be opened for aid delivery to compensate for those routes that may have been damaged by the earthquake. 6/ #Syria #syriaearthquake

The immediate delivery of humanitarian aid should not be bound to any political decision, nor subject to inhuman political blackmailing by any party, including Syrian regime. The delivery has to be directly and swiftly to the affected areas without any further delays. 7/ #Syria

Another pressing issue that is totally overlooked right now is the situation of the Maydanki (Afrin) dam in north west #Syria that has suffered considerable structural damages due to the #earthquake. 8/

Any further damages to the dam or its collapse will endanger dozens of villages that might be completely flooded. Specialised units and teams of experts are needed to access the area promptly to assess the situation and take the required preventive measures. 9/ #Syria #earthquake

We hereby escalate requests for emergency aid to the highest possible levels knowing that every hour that goes by without decisive interventions of international community translates into loss of dozens and hundreds of innocent lives that we could save. 10/ #Syria #earthquake

This is the ultimate test of humanity. Syrians in the north west #Syria have been among the most vulnerable populations in the world even before this catastrophic #earthquake. They must not be left to perish due to our collective inaction. 11/11

This letter was sent by SACD to address almost 180 diplomats of several states and INGOs earlier today.