UN seeks US$25 mln for Syrians facing winter without power, heat - It's Over 9000!

UN seeks US$25 mln for Syrians facing winter without power, heat

BALADI NEWS

An additional US$25 million is needed to meet the needs of millions of people displaced by the war in Syria who face another cold winter without power and heat, Xinhua news agency reported a UN spokesman as saying on Thursday.

Tens of thousands of Syrian families are in temporary or inadequate shelters, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

"The UN estimates that nearly 3 million people are in need of assistance this winter," Haq said. "An additional 25 million US dollars is needed to meet the expected life-saving needs during the colder months across the country."

Over the past week, the spokesman said heavy rains have caused flooding in sites and camps for internally displaced persons across northwest and northeast Syria, including at least 16 camps in Idlib governorate and in the Al Hol camp in Al-Hasakeh governorate. "Hundreds of tents have reportedly been destroyed."

To make matters worse, the displaced face sharply rising prices for basic goods across the war-torn nation and fuel shortages are reported in some areas, Haq said.

"With over 80 percent of Syrians already living below the poverty line, impoverished families will be further stretched to purchase essential items in the winter months ahead," he told reporters at a regular briefing.

Source: BERNAMA NEWS.

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