UNHCR chief briefed on the conditions of people affected by the earthquake in Jableh

Latakia, (ST) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, accompanied by the Governor of Latakia Amer Hilal, was briefed on the conditions of the people affected by the earthquake and who are residing in the temporary shelter center of Martyr Saleh Mahmoud in Jableh.

Grandi and his accompanying delegation listened to the demands of the families residing in the center, including the lifting of the unjust siege imposed on Syria and which has negatively affected the provision of basic necessities of life, especially medicines.

During a meeting held in the municipality of Jableh, Governor Hilal talked about the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake and the difficulties that accompanied the plan to respond to this disaster as a result of the lack of supplies for rescue operations and the recovery of survivors and victims, and a shortage of equipment, medicines and ambulances as a result of the terrorist war that Syria was exposed to and the unfair sanctions that affected all aspects life.

Hilal pointed to the challenges that resulted from the earthquake, including the great destruction of buildings as well as the vulnerable buildings which need to be reinforced and restored, in addition to the damaged schools that affected the progress of the education process.

Grandi expressed his deep condolences to the earthquake victims. He pointed out that the organization continues to provide aid, noting that a new cash assistance program has been approved in coordination with Lattakia governorate to help the most needy families in terms of securing house rents or providing the basic needs of each family.

Grandi added that the organization is trying to mobilize the capabilities required to enhance the organization’s response in Syria, through communicating with donor countries, with hhe aim of assisting in securing alternative housing. He indicated the UNHCR’s readiness to provide its expertise and assistance in dealing with this disaster due to the experiences it gained from dealing with similar circumstances.

Grandi said that we are interested in strengthening coordination and communication with the Syrian government efforts in this field, considering that the presence of the UNHCR office in Lattakia helps in activating the required coordination.

Raghda Sawas