After the floods in Idlib.. What is the fate of the 'Zero Tent' initiative launched by the government?
Recent heavy rains and floods in Idlib, Syria, have caused significant damage, displacing hundreds of families from makeshift camps.
Heavy rains and floods have struck the Syrian provinces of Idlib, Lattakia, and Hama, resulting in a humanitarian catastrophe in Idlib's displacement camps, which house thousands of families under dire living conditions. The Idlib Media Directorate reported that 24 camps for displaced persons suffered severe damage, leading to the displacement of 931 families. The impacts varied, with total and partial collapses affecting the camps; 17 camps completely collapsed, displacing 494 families who lost their homes and properties.
In addition to the destruction, significant flooding occurred in areas like Khirbat al-Jawz, which on February 7 experienced intense flooding that severely affected tents and infrastructure. Around 300 tents in Khirbat al-Jawz were reported to be directly damaged. The concern over the situation is coupled with government responses. The Director of Emergency Operations in Idlib, Walid Aslan, mentioned that civil defense teams had immediately deployed rescue and evacuation teams to assist those affected by the disasters, indicating a responsive, albeit strained, emergency management effort.
This catastrophe highlights the broader challenges faced by displaced persons in Syria, where ongoing conflict has severely limited resources and support for disaster response. The fate of the government’s 'Zero Tent' initiative, aimed at providing better living conditions, now hangs in the balance as local authorities grapple with the aftermath of the flooding and the urgent needs of the displaced populations. The situation remains critical, requiring ongoing attention from both local authorities and international aid organizations to address the humanitarian crisis.