Syria humanitarian crisis: Red Cross seeks $145m in emergency funds

The Red Cross launched an emergency appeal Monday for 130 million Swiss francs ($145 million) to aid millions of Syrians returning to destroyed homes and neighborhoods after the fall of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said the money was for "critical health care, urgently needed food and shelter supplies, cash assistance and psychological support for those experiencing trauma, and help to families trying to trace loved ones who have disappeared during the 13-year conflict" that ended with Assad's ouster by an Islamist-led rebel coalition earlier this month.

The funds will go to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) to "deliver vital aid to communities across the country", it said in a statement.

It said the aid, targeted to support the SARC's activities for at least 12 months, would help an estimated five million people.

"Our focus right now is on life-saving support for the population. SARC's teams are providing critical care via ambulances, mobile clinics and health centers, and its branches are distributing essential supplies like food and water," said IFRC regional director Hossam Elsharkawi.

"Entire towns and villages have been flattened in over a decade of hostilities."

The IFRC said the funds could also help its affiliates in neighboring countries "should the needs of people on the move from or to Syria change or grow in the coming months".