05 Apr 2019 | 02:03 PM UTC
Syria: Flooding affects 40,000 displaced people in northwest provinces as of April 2
Flash flooding affects 40,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Idlib, Aleppo, and Al-Hasakah provinces as of April 2; related disruptions expected over the coming hours and days
Event
Heavy rain and consequent flash flooding have affected 40,000 people in 14 camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) near the Turkish border in Idlib and Aleppo provinces as of Tuesday, April 2. Adjacent villages in Qamishli (Al-Hasakah province) were also hit by the flooding. The affected IDP camps were reportedly evacuated.
Related disruptions (e.g. transportation disruptions, power outages) are possible in the affected provinces in the coming hours and days.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate flooding and associated transportation and business disruptions (including due to road closures), and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of moving water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.
