Fierce winter storms in Lebanon put refugees at risk
Syrian refugees have another difficulty to face as harsh winter weather hits Lebanon.
Winter storm hits Lebanon and puts refugee camps in danger
The harsh winter storm currently blowing through the Middle East has raised concerns about the situation for the thousands of refugees and displaced in Syria.
At least four Syrian refugees have already lost their lives due the huge storm that is sweeping across Lebanon. A three-month-old baby girl died on Tuesday night after being stuck at a border crossing for four days. According to sources, three members of a group of four persons crossing the border from southern Syria, have also died because of the storm.
The storm currently lashing the country, has already led to road and school closures. Furthermore, the airport was temporarily closed on Tuesday nights as winds gathered speeds of up to 90km per hour.
Snow has fallen in the mountainous region of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley placing the many Syrian refugees living in the area in great danger. The icy winds have led to many refugees trying to anchor their tents better, and there are concerns that the snow will later cause extreme flooding once it melts.
UNHCR spokeswoman Lisa Abou Khaled has spoken about the situation: “Refugees in informal settlements are very cold. Most of them are staying inside their tents to keep warm next to the heating stove. Some are wiping the snow off the roof of their makeshift tents because they are worried that they might collapse under the weight of the snow."
It is reported that the refugee agency has been preparing for the difficult winter since October of 2014, but the situation is still extremely difficult due to limited access to the refugees, caused by heavy snowfall.
