More than thousands of Syrian refugees are enduring blizzards, biting winds and freezing rain as the worst winter storm for decades sweeps across the Middle East.
Aid agencies are warning of extreme hardship, particularly among families living in flimsy tents.
The United Nations has said it is extremely concerned about the plight of refugees. Aid agencies are trying to distribute thermal blankets, heaters, clothing and tarpaulin sheeting but are facing logistical difficulties in some areas due to severe weather conditions.
“For the hundreds of thousands of refugees in Lebanon, as well as those in neighbouring countries and the displaced in Syria, a storm like this creates immense additional hardship and suffering,” said Amin Awad of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, in Lebanon.
The storm, named Alexa, has brought snow, hail, driving rain and icy winds to the region, with the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon particularly badly hit. Parts of the region are forecast to see up to 10cm of snow in the coming days.
Killian Kleinschmidt, the camp’s manager, told the Guardian: “The electricity supply is a bit iffy because so many people are switching on electrical heaters. We know where the weak spots are, and we are doing drainage work and making contingency arrangements.” Winter clothing, blankets and gas heaters were being distributed.”
About 3,000 families out of the camp’s total population of 82,000 were still living in tents, he added. About 700 new refugees were currently arriving each night, and some who had left Za’atari to live in Jordanian villages and towns were returning as conditions at the camp improved, he said.
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Read More: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/12/syrian-refugees-blizzards-sweep-region
