The consequences of this natural tragedy are disastrous and all our potential is being used, but it is not enough and assistance is needed from all, Haboubati said at a press conference in the capital.

He assured that his organization has 3,000 volunteers and 500 employees, but lacks the equipment and means to carry out its rescue work.

We need ambulances, fire-fighting vehicles and heavy machinery to be able to continue with rescue and rubble removal operations, and this requires that the sanctions imposed on Syria be lifted as soon as possible, said the head of Mlras.

He denounced that the blockade hinders the actions of confrontation and recovery from the aftermath of this devastating earthquake and, in addition, aggravates the humanitarian situation of those affected.

According to Haboubati, the number of victims could increase and there are buildings that are still at risk of collapse.

The government allocated 126 shelters in Aleppo, 23 in Latakia, five in Hama, three in Homs and three in Tartous to help those affected, he said.

The Health Ministry reported today 48 new deaths for a total of 812 dead as a result of the earthquake that hit the center and northwest of this Levantine nation on Monday.

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