SOS Syrie is a France-based, non-governmental organization focused on providing humanitarian aid to Syria. It is now trying to increase the support it coordinates for communities there following the recent devastating earthquakes‌ that hit Syria and neighboring Türkiye.

The group says urgent support is needed across all areas, but it faces huge challenges in delivering food and medicine to the region. Syria had already been devastated by its long-running civil war, which began in 2011, before the quakes struck earlier this month.

"In the north of Syria, it's winter and it's very cold," says Hassan El Abdullah, the president of SOS Syrie. "People are outside in the streets and need heaters. They need something to drink and to eat and a way of keeping warm," he adds.

READ MORE

World's smartest dog breeds revealed

Poll: U.S. should lift Syria sanctions for disaster

The Secret Betrayal: China's WWII sailors

"The situation is catastrophic – it's a disaster in every way.‌"

As well as support from major organizations, more humble efforts are also being made by Syrian and Turkish communities living overseas. The owner of a takeaway restaurant in Paris is collecting clothes and money to be sent to Türkiye.

"As we say, those that have the least give the most," said Baris Buyukocak. "And we see that in other countries too. People here in this neighborhood understand the struggle because they've gone through it," he adds.

"They want to help as much as they can."

'Everything is blocked'

At a donation center, trestle tables are set up to try to sort the clothes, food and water being given by people in the French capital. Diren Erdogan, who is Turkish and runs one such center, says there are many logistical difficulties in getting supplies to the disaster zone.

"It's not easy to send aid like this as we would like to," she admits. "Everything is blocked at the border. They check all the trucks because there are many people who just send anything. We've seen it all. This is the only reason why we are stopped at the border.

"We preferred to send money first so that our association on the ground can get through the first days while waiting for the trucks."

The French government is providing support with a plane carrying 50 tonnes of humanitarian aid leaving for Türkiye on February 12. Meanwhile, the search continues for earthquake victims, and even possible survivors, after eight days.

But the operation in the quake zone is fast becoming a recovery mission, and the focus is turning towards supporting those people who survived the disaster.

Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday