A Step-by-Step Guide: Rubble Removal

Written April 2023.

As of 26 April 2023, humanitarian partners under the Early Recovery and Livelihoods cluster removed over 464,000 cubic meters of debris across 27 sub-districts in northwest Syria in the aftermath of the earthquakes.

The Rubble Removal efforts in northwest Syria is a testament to the importance of partnerships, coordination, and collaboration in the recovery process after a disaster. Under the leadership of the Syria Civil Defence (The White Helmets), SARD has joined other NGOs to take on the task of rubble removal in the affected areas. The Syria Civil Defence (The White Helmets) teams, with their experience and expertise, play a critical role in identifying sites, getting approval of owners and local authorities, coordinating the response, and providing safety training to the workers involved in the rubble removal project.

We wanted to give you a glimpse into the rubble removal process.

Step 1: Civil Defence train workers

SARD Cash-for-work rubble removal participants receive training from Syria Civil Defence (The White Helmets) on first aid, firefighting, security and safety training

Step 2: Civil Defence identify and demolish site

Syria Civil Defence (The White Helmets) coordinate the rubble removal in northwest Syria. They identity sites, demolish any remaining structures, and hand it off to local NGOs for rubble removal. That's where we come in.

Step 3: SARD separates metal from rubble

We sort the the metal from the stone and prepare the rubble to be removed and recycled where possible and safely disposed of where necessary.

Step 4: Find and return personal belongings

We sort though the rubble to find any personal belongings. Which are turned in to the local community committee who work to return the items to their rightful owners.

Step 5: Rubble is removed offsite

We safely transport the sorted rubble from the affected areas to its final destination.

Step 6: Site is cleaned

We carry out a final cleaning, paving the way for the reconstruction of vital infrastructure and restoring access to roads and commerce activity. In addition, we level the removed rubble in its final destination.

The importance of rubble removal cannot be overstated. It is a critical in the recovery process, as it paves the way for the reconstruction of vital infrastructure such as homes, schools, and hospitals. Clearing the debris also restores access to roads and other transportation routes, enabling the resumption of commerce and economic activity. With the rubble out of the way, the affected communities can start rebuilding their lives and regain a sense of normalcy.

The commitment, expertise, and leadership of the Syria Civil Defence (The White Helmets) has been invaluable , and SARD is honored to work with them and all our partners as we all pave the way to rebuild.