An outbreak of violence in the south of the country
Since 11 July, the Soueïda region in southern Syria has been rocked by violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin. The fighting has already claimed almost 600 lives, the vast majority of them civilians, and forced the displacement of almost 2,000 families. Taking refuge in tents or makeshift shelters, these families lack everything: water, food and healthcare. This latest crisis comes at a time when the Syrian healthcare system, weakened by more than a decade of war, is running out of steam. Against this tense backdrop, regional tensions have been heightened by the Israeli air strike on 16 July targeting the Syrian army headquarters in Damascus. The civilian population, already weakened, is once again on the front line.
Devastating fires in the north-west
At the same time, violent fires hit the Latakia region in the north-west of the country. Although now under control, the fires destroyed more than 10,000 hectares, displaced between 15,000 and 20,000 people, and put at least four health centres out of action. The medical needs on the ground are immense, particularly for people suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma and high blood pressure. Many families are also showing signs of acute psychological distress, in a country where access to mental health remains extremely limited. These fires come on top of a wider climate crisis that is now affecting the whole country.
A historic drought and a major food crisis
Syria is currently experiencing the worst drought in sixty years. Agricultural losses are considerable, particularly in wheat, and directly threaten the livelihoods of millions of people. According to the latest estimates, up to 16.3 million Syrians could become food insecure. Faced with this series of disasters, Mehad’s teams remain fully committed on the ground, providing care for the injured and displaced, psychological support, a nutritional response and the rehabilitation of damaged health facilities. A plan to re-equip Syrian health centres will be launched in the next few days.
Photo: White Helmets
