Floods drown camps in Idlib and Latakia, warnings of river flooding
Severe rainfall has caused floods in Idlib and Latakia camps, prompting health warnings from Syrian authorities.
Heavy rainfall in Northwestern Syria has led to significant flooding in refugee camps in Idlib and Latakia, with local authorities urging residents near the Orontes River to evacuate due to rising water levels. The Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management reported that the floods have resulted in the tragic deaths of two children in northern Latakia and have severely impacted approximately 300 families in tents across Idlib. The authorities also warned residents in surrounding villages to exercise caution during this emergency period.
The floods have inflicted considerable damage on infrastructure, affecting shelters and medical facilities, particularly in Idlib where 14 camps experienced significant hardship. The medical staff and patients at the Ain al-Bayda Hospital were evacuated after the facility became submerged due to the flooding. In response to the disaster, the Syrian Ministry has set up eight temporary shelters in schools to accommodate affected families in western Idlib, showcasing the immediate relief efforts undertaken for those displaced by nature's fury.
This situation highlights the precarious living conditions of nearly a million displaced Syrians relying on temporary shelters amidst ongoing conflicts and natural disasters. As this humanitarian crisis unfolds, the floods exacerbate the suffering of an already vulnerable population, bringing to light the pressing need for long-term solutions to ensure safety and stability in the region.