A snowstorm hit Jordan overnight, covering most of the country in a thick blanket of snow. The storm is the second to hit Jordan this season.The weather is expected to stay cold in the coming days.
"NRC staff have been working in both Azraq and Zaatari over night to ensure all essential services are functioning even during the storm," says Elias Jourdy, NRC Jordan Camp Shelter Project Coordinator.
Zaatari and Azraq refugee camps are home to 83,000 and 12,000 Syrian refugees, respectively. NRC is the lead actor in providing shelter and basic household items in the camps to meet the basic needs of camp residents. During winter, snow and colder temperatures make it challenging to keep shelters warm and dry.
During winter, the work to keep shelters warm and dry is extra challenging, particularly during snowfalls like what Jordan is experiencing this weekend.
“NRC staff are fixing tents, opening roads and mapping needs as we speak, with focus on heating and energy needs,” Jourdy says.
Tractors are used to clear snow from the roads. Photo: NRC Jordan.
Just a few weeks back, this winter’s first snow storm hit Jordan. NRC Jordan was determined to learn from the January experience when preparing for more winter weather this week.
“As part of the lessons learned from the last storm, NRC has set up, in coordination with UNHCR, several assembly points around the camp to serve as emergency shelters for refugees whose shelters have been damaged during the storm," Jourdy says.
The snowy weather is not very conducive to bike riding. Photo: NRC Jordan.
