Deadly floods sweep through northern Syria, leaving many without homes

Severe rainstorms hit Northern Syria from March 16 to 18, 2023, resulting in devastating floods that caused significant damage to infrastructure and agricultural land. The floods claimed at least eight lives and left many families homeless.

Northern Syria and the surrounding region experienced a severe bout of heavy rainstorms that resulted in devastating floods. The floods caused significant damage to infrastructure and agricultural land, leaving many families without homes or a source of income.

The Northeastern region of Syria was hit particularly hard, with bridges and roads being destroyed and livelihoods being lost.

The aftermath of the floods resulted in at least 8 deaths across Al Hasakah, Ar-Raqqa, and Kobane.

The Abu Khashab camp, which housed over 10 000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), was one of the hardest hit areas, with mud accumulation on the roads and water seeping into the tents, worsening the living conditions for the already vulnerable IDPs.

In the Northwest region of Syria, several IDP sites were also affected by the floods. One injury was reported, and 375 tents were completely destroyed, with an additional 531 tents being partially damaged.

These aerial photos of Adwan camp in the western #Idlib countryside of #Syria capture more than just rain-drenched tents. They depict a heart-wrenching story of wandering souls searching for a lost homeland. It's a tale of oppression that has been ongoing for 12 years now. pic.twitter.com/OtvVbT9CJE

— The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) March 19, 2023

Will the harsh memories ever be erased from the minds of those who have endured them? Will they continue to ring in their ears, haunting them indefinitely? From war & displacement to earthquakes & floods, these are the haunting questions raised by those in the camps of #Syria. pic.twitter.com/rHQMc3rz7s

— The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) March 19, 2023

Damage in the camps sheltering the earthquake survivors in the city of Jisr al-Shughur, west of #Idlib, due to heavy rains and flooding of tents, this evening, Saturday, March 18. Our teams are working to open water drainage channels and provide assistance. pic.twitter.com/tQ6orCnAgL

— The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) March 18, 2023

References:

¹ Syria – Flash floods – DG ECHO – March 20, 2023

Featured image credit: White Helmets