Refugees caught in heavy snow as storms lash Lebanon and Jordan
Thousands of refugees are struggling to stay warm and protect their shelters this week as heavy snow storms bringing freezing temperatures, fierce winds, and lashing rain hit Lebanon and Jordan.
Some refugees are managing to get through the storm to UNHCR’s emergency centres, others are left huddling around heaters and scraping snow from the roofs of their shelters to stop them from collapsing.
“People are scared if it keeps snowing because the tents won’t hold up against its weight. They might collapse any minute. We haven’t had electricity since yesterday.”Says a 20 year old refugee living in Bekaa Valley after heavy snowfall hit the area on Wednesday.
UNHCR is on the ground providing urgently needed relief distributing stoves and fuel for heating, insulation for tents, blankets, mattresses and other items that have been damaged.
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Lebanon: Surviving the snow
UNHCR began its winter aid programme in Lebanon last October, focusing on helping the most vulnerable refugees. While much winter aid has been provided, UNHCR remains concerned;
"Despite our best efforts, the situation in Lebanon remains precarious for refugees given the extremely poor conditions in which they live and the scattered nature of the population,"
Ninette Kelley,UNHCR Representative to Lebanon. |
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