- Since 30 June, wildfires have severely impacted rural Latakia, coastal province of Syria with lesser effects in the regions of Homs and Tartous. Approximately 90 km² of land has burned, around 8,500 people are affected, including 1,120 temporarily displaced. Fires have destroyed crops, olive groves, livestock, and disrupted essential services such as water supply.
- Most fires remain active, and adverse weather conditions, including strong winds, are expected to worsen the situation. Firefighting and humanitarian access are challenged by rugged terrain, strong winds, unexploded ordnance, and fuel shortages.
- Priority needs include medical supplies, mobile clinics, water tanks, emergency food and safe drinking water. The Syrian government has deployed over 160 firefighting vehicles, 80 teams, and military helicopters to contain the blazes.
- On 7 July, following the request for assistance by the Syrian Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management (White Helmets), the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, (ERCC) activated the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). The request includes fuel, fire fighting vehicles, heavy equipment, spare parts and communication equipment.
- DG ECHO is closely monitoring the situation and assessing needs on the ground with its humanitarian partners.
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