AFRIN, Syria

Volunteers and philanthropists have contributed to securing tents for thousands of people affected by the earthquake in the town of Jindires in the Syrian city of Afrin.

Jindires was the area most affected by the earthquake as hundreds of houses were cracked and many others were demolished. More than 500 people were killed in the town and thousands became homeless.

Afrin's local council and humanitarian organizations set up temporary shelters for the earthquake victims.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Civil Defense teams continue search and rescue operations.

Nawaf Abdoun, an earthquake victim, told Anadolu that he survived but lost his house.

Abdoun indicated that shelters and schools are full, and whoever owns a house lives with four to five families.

"We were unable to find a house to shelter in, so we resorted to tents, which are not prepared to withstand the harsh weather nor to accommodate families,” he added.

Amin Haji Sado, a resident of Jindires, lost his house in the earthquake, so he erected a tent next to its ruins to live in.

Haj Sado explained that they are unable to pay the monthly house rent which is about $100.

Haj Sado expressed his hope that his town will be reconstructed with the contribution of philanthropists.

A Syrian NGO said Thursday that the earthquake resulted in 171,843 displaced people in northern Syria.

In Syria, at least 3,688 people were killed and over 14,749 injured by two strong earthquakes that jolted southern Türkiye on Feb. 6.

*Ikram Imane Kouachi contributed to this report.