Syrian refugees tortured in tent camps as temperature soars to 50°C

Internally displaced persons (IDP’s) living in concentration camps in Syria’s northwestern Idlib province are struggling to survive in makeshift tents while braving scorching temperatures of up to 50°C (122°F).

The sweltering temperature has made it even more difficult for residents, who are housed in makeshift refugee camps with the majority of women and children.

Extreme heat waves can be fatal for people with chronic diseases, and they can cause a variety of skin problems in children.

Camp residents, who are already struggling to find enough water in the area, are trying to cool down the tents in primitive ways.

S0-called Syrian Civil Defense teams (British based White Helmets) and non-governmental organizations in Idlib frequently warn civilians not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.

Mohammed Damis, who fled the Syrian army’s bombardment in 2019 and took refuge in the Andalusian camp in the village of Zerdene, told Anadolu that the residents of the region are having a difficult day due to the extreme heat.

At the end of the day, the temperature drops to 45°C (113°F) outside, but remains 51°C (123.8°F) inside tents, due to the overheated soil around them.

Living in tents is unbearable, the camp resident said, explaining that there are no batteries in tents, and there are no fans. We fill the large basin with water and cool the babies.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Cesim, another camp resident, also said that he has been living in the same refugee concentration camp for four years and that his tent is beginning to wear out.

These are the most difficult days of our lives, he said, adding, we can’t do anything. We can’t sit or sleep owing to the scorching heat.

About 1.9 million displaced people live in some 1,430 camps or self-settled sites in northwestern Syria, the majority of whom are women and children, according to the UN.

Middle East Monitor / ABC Flash Point News 2023.