The ongoing civil war in Syria is making relief efforts difficult after a round of devastating earthquakes.

In Damascus Tuesday, Japanese Red Cross Society representative Matsunaga Hajime described the difficulties.

Matsunaga said: "Things here were quite chaotic. There were conflicting reports. It was hard to gather important information."

Matsunaga is working with several organizations to coordinate support and rescue operations.

The regional representative says the conflict in Syria limits where they can carry out humanitarian duties.

Matsunaga says his team plans to focus on coordinating medical-related support. He says many in the region were already in need, and the earthquakes have only compounded the issue.

"People who fled the 12-year civil war have been affected by the earthquakes. There are people who have a lot of misfortune, so I want everyone to recognize the importance of humanitarian aid," he says.

Matsunaga says the international community needs to focus on providing help over the long term, not just now.