Heavy winters storms have battered Syria over the past month, leaving already vulnerable communities struggling to survive.
Heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, strong winds, and flooding have significantly affected living conditions for displaced and vulnerable populations, particularly in in the northern regions of the country.
Across the governorates of Aleppo and Idlib, deep snow has damaged roads and left displacement camps stranded, cutting off humanitarian access. Mountainous areas such as Lattakia and Tartus have been cut off due to mountain road closures, while flooding and infrastructure damage were reported in parts of Hama and Homs.
The situation is particularly difficult for the thousands of displaced families who are living in makeshift shelters that do little to protect against the harsh winter cold. Reports have stimated that around 1,700 tents have been damaged or destroyed across Aleppo and Idlib.
An estimated 5.14 million people across Syria are vulnerable to winter-related risks such as inadequate shelter and limited access to heating.
The winter storms have occurred simultaneously with a flare in violence that saw thousands displaced from Aleppo.
Providing important relief during winter
Islamic Relief have expanded our winterisation programme in Syria to meet the increased demands caused by the winter storms. Our response has prioritised camps hosting internally displaced families exposed to severe cold, flooding, and shelter damage.
We have delivered essential items such as blankets, mattresses, and plastic sheeting, aimed at reinforcing shelter structures, and reducing exposure to freezing temperatures.
In 2025, Islamic Relief’s Winterisation programme provided heating materials, blankets and warm clothes to nearly 13,000 people in Syria.
With your help we can help vulnerable communities in Syria survive the harsh winter months. Donate today.
