Dario Salvi

Saudi aid is unloaded at Aleppo airport, the first time a Saudi plane lands in Syria in 10 years. In some areas, especially in the Idlib region, people still feel abandoned. For Bishop Audo, in addition to material needs, people need to sense that others feel for their suffering and accept them. Lonely women, with children in their arms, are the “top victims”.

Today's headlines: Myanmar junta has torched over 55,000 homes in two years; wind and solar power in China almost ready to cover all domestic energy needs; Damascus opens two more border crossings to facilitate aid entry; Caritas Philippines launches a fundraiser for Turkey and Syria; New governor for Japan's Central Bank.

Fr Antuan Ilgıt, a Jesuit, reflects upon the past week, since a devastating earthquake struck. The cathedral might have collapsed, but Caritas is providing relief, with a thousand meals a day for the displaced and aid sent to a devastated Antakya. His thoughts also go to Syrian refugees who cannot be abandoned because “We must go where no one can or wants to go”.

In a televised speech, the Israeli president stressed the danger of “societal and constitutional collapse." He calls for mediation between the government and the opposition, asking not to force change through parliament. A majority leader rejects his proposal. Tens of thousands of people take to the streets in protest; a new rally is set for today in Jerusalem.

Today's headlines: Chinese expert calls for birth incentives to boost the economy; calls for the release of Afghan women's rights activist Parisa Mubariz, arrested by the Taliban; Burmese military regime facilitates the issuing of gun permits to citizens 'loyal' to the state; Russian Orthodox magazine calls for the excommunication of 300 priests who called for an end to the war in Ukraine.

The death toll now exceeds 24,000. In Antakya, where people are making desperate appeals after losing everything, the first cases of looting are reported. Small signs of hope appear in Iskenderun, as aid arrives and power is partially restored. The earthquake is already a battleground between Erdogan and his rivals ahead of the upcoming 14 May presidential elections, now in doubt.

Today's news: The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria now exceeds 24,000; Air India signs a mega-order to buy up to 500 planes from Airbus and Boeing; food prices continue to rise steeply in Japan; many Armenians view Turkey’s earthquake as “divine punishment”; Asia is the continent with the most Internet restrictions in 2022.

The US is putting on hold some sanctions. The Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced a unilateral ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. Nuncio to Syria stresses that everyone’s efforts are needed, starting with the international community that must “overcome ideological divisions”. In Aleppo a general feeling of "precariousness" prevails. The Open Hospitals programme is open to everyone “without discrimination”.

Zaman Fadaie had been sentenced to 10 years, reduced to six, plus two years in exile for 'Zionist Christianity' and an attack on 'national security'. In prison he had been whipped for drinking wine (during communion). From prison he had addressed an open letter to the authorities asking for "safe" places to worship.

The patriarchs and heads of Churches issue a joint statement against measures that punish the population and slow down rescue efforts. Trappist nuns speak out against sanctions that are like salt on the wounds caused by the earthquake. Syria asks the EU for aid. The United Nations urges the parties to avoid the politicisation of aid. The first convoy arrives in areas held by rebels and jihadis.

An AsiaNews source testifies to "mutual aid" and "mutual support" in the earthquake drama. A restaurant offers free food, public schools and companies open their doors to welcome the displaced. As in the past, however, flaws seem to be emerging in the government's relief machine. Alarm also from Unesco for World Heritage sites in danger.

The death toll in Turkey and Syria now stands at 11,000. Turkish President Erdogan visits some of the hardest-hit areas, as anger mounts among survivors over the slow pace of rescue operations. Antakya, the ancient Antioch, is one of the most isolated places, hard to reach and obstacles to bringing in aid. Entire buildings were flattened as was much of the historic heart of the city. For the vicar of Anatolia, it was a symbol of openness.