Yarmouk Situation Report (Issue No. 52) – UNRWA update

YARMOUK SITUATION REPORT 52

17 February 2016

"We are trying to run schools but we don’t have enough textbooks or materials." – Yarmouk resident

UNRWA continued food distributions for a fourth consecutive day in Yalda. An additional 1,200 families from Yalda, Babila, Beit Saham and Yarmouk received a 35 kg food parcel containing a range of basic commodities. A total of 4,500 families, 75 per cent of the total targeted population in the area, have received food parcels since UNRWA resumed humanitarian operations on Sunday, 14 February, representing over 158 metric tons of assistance.

SUMMARY

• UNRWA provided a total of 1,200 family food parcels from a distribution point in Yalda for the fourth consecutive day, serving civilians residing in Yalda, Babila, Beit Saham and Yarmouk.

• The community has indicated that their greatest needs include food, non-food items (particularly winter blankets and clothing), and access to clean water and health care. Access to water remains restricted in Yarmouk, with residents relying on untreated water from wells for their daily needs, resulting in increased health risks for the community.

• Residents have also indicated an additional need for solar lamps, due to electricity shortages, as well as textbooks and educational supplies.

• UNRWA has reached 75 per cent of the 6,000 families targeted in the areas. Food distributions will be completed tomorrow, Wednesday, 17 February. UNRWA will then begin distribution of winter blankets and establish mobile health points.

• UNRWA continues to coordinate closely with other humanitarian partners and hopes this renewed access, facilitated by the Syrian authorities, will lead to sustained operations in the area.

http://www.unrwa.org/newsroom/emergency-reports/yarmouk-situation-report-52