Lebanese Refugees Face Harsh Winter Conditions in Bekaa
As winter approaches, displaced families in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon are grappling with severe cold and inadequate shelter conditions. Salwa Muhammad al-Husseini, a mother of three, expressed her fears for her children's well-being in the Jabal Janin shelter center, which is currently lacking heating and winter supplies. The shelter, located in a repurposed school building, hosts around 210 displaced individuals from various regions, including Baalbek and southern Lebanon, all facing similar hardships.
Fatima Al-Husseini, Salwa's 12-year-old daughter, described the chilling experience of sleeping without proper winter gear, highlighting the urgent need for blankets and heating devices. The challenges faced by these families are compounded by the already difficult circumstances of displacement due to ongoing regional conflicts.
Community Efforts and Promises of Assistance
Despite the dire situation, community leaders and organizations are working to address the needs of the displaced. Mahmoud Farhat, director of the Jabal Janin center, reported that they are in discussions with government and civil bodies to secure diesel for heating before the winter intensifies. Promises have been made by various organizations, including the Ministry of Education and local NGOs, to provide essential supplies and support.
The International Red Cross and other groups have been actively involved in delivering food, mattresses, and hygiene products, while also organizing activities for children to alleviate some of the psychological burdens of displacement. However, with the winter season approaching, the urgency for adequate winter supplies remains critical, as many families left their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.
