January
“We live here suffering and in severe poverty,” says Um Ibrahim. Like many in north-west Syria, the mother of seven lives in a camp. Every winter life becomes even more difficult for the 46-year-old and her family, when their riverside camp floods. This year they are among the 175,000 people in 14 countries helped by our annual winter survival programme. They receive bedding, plastic sheeting and heating materials to help keep them warm in the cold months. “I hope you will continue to distribute humanitarian aid to us and we thank you for being by our sides for 10 years.”
In a turbulent start to the year, heavy rains destroy tents and food supplies in 228 camps in north-west Syria, worsening the plight of nearly 35,000 displaced families. Islamic Relief provides meals and tents, blankets, warm clothing and plastic sheets to assist over 4,000 people. Meanwhile in Bosnia and Herzegovina we work closely with local authorities and partners to help 3,000 people left without shelter when a fire ravages Lipa migrant camp in Una Sana Canton. Working with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), we give food parcels and survival items such as winter clothes, boots, and sleeping bags to people sleeping in the open in freezing temperatures.
DISASTER
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake hits Indonesia’s West Sulawesi province in the middle of the night as most of the population sleep.
IMPACT
At least 73 people are killed and hundreds more injured. Thousands of buildings are damaged, forcing people to seek refuge in overcrowded temporary shelters where Covid-19 measures are impossible. Landslides block roads, and electricity and telephone lines are also down in some areas.
RESPONSE
Working with local non-governmental organisations, Islamic Relief provides 100 affected families with food, blankets and hygiene items to help protect them from Covid-19.
