Two Palestinian children among those perished in Syria's earthquake

Two children- students in United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) schools- were among those who perished in the massive earthquake that hit northern Syria and Turkey, UNRWA said in a statement.

"Two other children are reportedly in intensive care because of injuries sustained also during the shattering earthquake. Many continue to be trapped under the rubble."

The camps of Lattakia, on the Syrian coast and Nairab, near Aleppo, are the most affected among the country’s 12 Palestine refugee camps, the statement said, adding that three Palestine refugee houses collapsed in Latakia camp, impacting 25 people.

UNRWA said its teams are on the ground undertaking assessments. According to initial findings, most UNRWA facilities survived the shocks with minor damage, as they were built with earthquake resistant design.

"The Agency’s schools in the areas affected will be closed until they are deemed safe, while we resume other services as of tomorrow (Tuesday)," UNRWA went on to say.

It added that it is working to continue providing aid, water, sanitation and health-care, including mental health, in response to growing needs. "In close cooperation with the U.N. agencies in Syria, UNRWA is ready to provide shelter to those displaced," the U.N. agency said.

Syria is home to more than 438,000 Palestine refugees. UNRWA serves them through its network of 23 health centers and 102 schools, where some 49,500 students receive a quality education.