Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Jordan + 2 more

Surviving Snowstorm Alexa

The Syrian region is facing its worst winter in decades. Thousands of refugees are struggling to survive, and 20 were killed by snowstorm Alexa in December. Islamic Relief is providing vital aid to Syrians inside the country, as well as neighbouring Jordan and Lebanon.

When snowstorm Alexa hit Jordan last month, the worst winter storm in decades brought sub-zero temperatures, power cuts, blocked roads and – most tragically – the death of 20 Syrian refugees.

Many Syrians who have fled the violence to Jordan live in basements, garages and farm buildings, with thousands more sleeping in refugee camp tents. These fragile makeshift shelters provide scant protection from the harsh winter weather. The elderly and young people are particularly at risk – 12 of those who died in snowstorm Alexa were children.

Islamic Relief has provided hundreds of thousands of Syrians in Jordan with life-saving support. Teams in Irbid, Mafraq, Ramtha and Jarash have supplied almost 200,000 people with food vouchers, secured shelter for over 480 families, and paid for medical treatment of more than 120 ill and injured patients.

We have also provided over 960 gas heaters to Syrian families, helping them stave off lethally cold temperatures, and our plans for the next few weeks include providing blankets, clothes, mattresses and other essential items to survive the winter.

Outside of Jordan, Islamic Relief is supporting those suffering from icy conditions deep inside Syria, as well as in neighbouring Lebanon. With 11.6 million Syrians thought to be in desperate need of assistance this winter, and no end to the conflict in sight, this stark figure is only likely to grow.

We are committed to helping the Syrian people for as long as they need our help. We couldn’t do any of this without the generosity of our supporters, on whom we rely to donate, volunteer their time and help to spread the word – thank you.