Those affected by earthquake: Blockade increases our suffering

Those affected by the earthquake in al-Shahba explained that the Autonomous Administration, despite its weak capabilities, provided them with shelter and basic necessities, but the siege of the Damascus government and its repercussions increased their suffering.

11 April, 2023 23:12

AL-SHAHBA-ALAN RASHID

Sardam camp, located in Al-Ahadath district in Al-Shahba canton, houses more than 700 families from the displaced from Afrin, in addition to 85 families from the city of Aleppo and some villages belonging to Al-Shahba canton, whose homes were damaged by the earthquake that struck the region on February 6. The Kurdish Red Crescent provided some relief aid to them, expanded the Sardam camp, and set a plan to erect 300 tents. However, the blockade imposed on the canton was the first barrier to the failure to complete this plan, and the lack of the necessary capabilities of household supplies, materials such as diesel and domestic gas, which constituted a major obstacle for the people.

The checkpoints of the Fourth Division of the Damascus government imposed a siege on al-Shahba canton, and prevented the entry of basic materials to the region, especially diesel, which plays a role in all aspects of living in the canton, such as electricity and artesian wells.

The Municipal Authority of Afrin and al-Shahba cantons reduced the working hours of electricity generators in the canton from 4 hours to only two hours per day, while warning them that they would stop completely if diesel fuel did not enter the region.

Citizen Kibar Mamo, who came from Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood to Sardam camp, said: "After our house was destroyed by the earthquake, we decided to come to Sardam camp, so that the camp administration would help us secure one tent for my family and my son's family."

"After we got a tent, the camp administration and the Kurdish Red Crescent distributed many of the necessary tools for us, including blankets, and kitchen utensils, in addition to foodstuffs with their weak potential as a result of the blockade imposed on the area," she added.

She added, "We asked the camp administration to provide another tent for my son's family because our tent cannot accommodate everyone, we are 6 people, but she said that she could not set up another tent because it was not available and did not allow her to pass into the province as a result of the siege."

At the end of her speech, she called for lifting the siege on the displaced from Afrin, who live in semi-destroyed homes and camps, to facilitate their living.

As for the displaced, Muhammad Sido, he said: "After we came to Sardam camp, the camp administration provided us with tents to protect us from the winter cold, but they did not distribute diesel fuel because it was not available due to the siege."

"The blockade has many repercussions, including reducing the working hours of generators from 4 hours to two hours only, as well as a significant increase in prices," he added.

At the end of his speech, he called on humanitarian organizations to work to lift the siege on al-Shahba canton, and to facilitate the passage of materials and medicines to the region.

T/ Satt.

ANHA