Syria Crisis Bi-Weekly Humanitarian Situation Report

Severe weather struck the country this week, affecting Syrian refugees sheltered in the mountain region of Bekaa. Heavy rains and snowfall have flooded some settlements, and a number of refugee families were forced to seek shelter elsewhere. Reports on 9 January indicate that snow is continuing to fall, with most UNICEF partners facing increased access challenges as a result. In spite of these conditions, UNICEF is assessing the situation of refugee settlements in Zahle, in coordination with UNHCR. A planned mission to the municipality of Baalbek has been suspended due to the weather, and the Government has halted heavy road movement over the mountain pass, leaving queues of trucks parked along the main roads to Bekaa.