Millions of Syrians live in life-threatening poverty, but the UN has only received less than half of the aid they need.
In Syria, millions of people are at risk of death when winter comes, because they do not have enough protection against the cold, The UN warns. (you switch to another service)
Many families have difficulty keeping their homes warm, because there is a shortage of electricity and it is regulated.
However, the UN is more concerned about families who can’t even afford electricity and heating or warm clothes. Those living in refugee camps inside Syria are in a particularly vulnerable position.
The civil war that has continued for more than 11 years has collapsed the economy. 90 percent of the population lives below the poverty line and 12.4 million have a shortage of food, the UN humanitarian aid organization OCHA says.
Millions of people live in life-threatening poverty. Six million need help to survive the winter. 2.4 million of them live in northwest Syria, the last significant area controlled by the rebels.
However, the UN is not able to help everyone, as it has received only 42 percent of the aid it needs in Syria this year. Additional help would be needed to buy winter clothes, blankets, heaters and fuel for people, OCHA says.
Winter can be harsh in Syria. Winter weather includes rain and snow as well as temperatures that drop to freezing.
Sources: AFP, Uutiset