On Wednesday 14 March, a joint team from the ICRC and Syrian Arab Red Crescent went to the towns of Rastan, Talbiseh and Al Zaafaraneh, in Homs province, to assess the need for humanitarian action. ICRC and Red Crescent teams spoke to both residents and people who had been driven from their homes by the fighting. They also conferred with local medical personnel.
Buildings in Rastan and Talbiseh were heavily damaged from the fighting, though no fighting occurred during the ICRC / Red Crescent visit.People who had fled Rastan and Talbiseh went to Al Zaafaraneh, which is also hosting families from Baba Amr, Karm al Zaytoun and other places. There are now over 12,000 displaced people there in need of assistance.
The main needs are mattresses, blankets, food, baby formula, basic medicines and vital medication for chronic illnesses. Residents who have remained in Rastan and Talbiseh are receiving aid from the Syrian Red Crescent.
The ICRC and the Red Crescent hope to return to Al Zaafaraneh next week to bring aid. In the meantime, the two organizations will continue assisting other people who have fled their homes in Homs province (including the city of Homs) and in other areas affected by the unrest.