Syria: Aid stepped up amidst heavy fighting in Aleppo province

As the humanitarian situation deteriorates in northern Syria, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has said it is increasing the amount of aid for people caught up in the latest round of violence.

It is estimated that around 50,000 people have been displaced, mainly in northern areas of Aleppo province, due to the recent upsurge in fighting. Some supply routes, used for bringing in aid, have been cut.

The ICRC works closely with Syrian Arab Red Crescent, which has been delivering much of the new aid, including food and water.

"The fighting is putting enormous pressure on civilians. The temperatures are extremely low and, without an adequate supply of food, water and shelter, displaced people are trying to survive in very precarious conditions," said the head of the ICRC in Syria, Marianne Gasser, who is in Aleppo.

During the past few days, food for 10,000 families has been delivered. Water tanks have also been sent to an area north of Aleppo where an estimated 10,000 displaced people have arrived. More aid, including medicines, will be delivered in the coming days.

The increase in fighting has also severely impacted on the citizens of Aleppo city, whose water supply system has been cut. The people are now dependent on more than 100 water points established by the ICRC, the SARC and local water boards. There is also a general shortage of fuel and electric power.

"The situation is extremely difficult for tens of thousands of people because of the upsurge in violence. The situation was already desperate for many people before this latest violence," said Ms Gasser.

"It is difficult to access many areas because of the fighting. But, working with the SARC and local authorities and groups, we will continue to do our best and deliver more aid in the coming days."

More information:
Rafiullah Qureishi, ICRC Damascus, mobile: +963 993 700 847
Dibeh Fakhr, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 79 447 37 26, Twitter: @DFakhrICRC