Syrian refugee families vulnerable as largest winter storm in years hits Lebanon

 -- World Vision preparing families in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria for winter weather with heating fuel, blankets, winter clothing

 -- Thousands living in tents, makeshift homes with no heat

 -- Health workers within Syria reporting an increase in respiratory diseases among children

Bekaa Valley, LEBANON, Dec. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the largest winter storm in years threatens Lebanon, World Vision is stepping up its preparations throughout the region to keep Syrian refugees safe from below freezing temperatures and snow. More than 2.2 million people have fled to neighboring countries to escape the violence. Many are living in tented settlements, camps or poorly-equipped apartments that offer little protection from the cold. Within Syria, many of the 6.5 million internally displaced are facing similar challenges.

Health workers in Syria are reporting an increase in respiratory diseases among children as temperatures dip.  World Vision and other aid agencies are striving to reach as many people as possible with the resources they have, but with the sheer scope and scale of the crisis, the need remains immense.

As one Syrian father in Jordan explained, "We left Syria because our house was destroyed in the conflict and we were scared for our children. And now we're scared of the cold. Perhaps it's better to be killed by someone than to watch your children die of the cold." Their home has no heating and no hot water.

"For months we have been concerned about the dire consequences of the approaching winter on these vulnerable families, and we've been working to protect as many people as we can. Now there's little time more for preparations or warnings. For Syrian refugees, time has run out, and winter is here," said Joe Harbison, World Vision's response director for the Syria Crisis.

In Za'atari Camp in Jordan and in many of the makeshift settlements in Lebanon, flooding is already a significant problem, adding to the freezing temperatures.

World Vision is responding in the region to make sure families don't have to fear the cold:

• In Lebanon, approximately 25,000 families are receiving blankets and cash vouchers to purchase stoves and fuel
• In Jordan, World Vision is providing coats to 30,118 children aged 2 - 12 in Za'atari Camp and working to fix drainage problems in the camp that caused severe flooding last winter.
• In Syria, World Vision is providing 2,000 winter kits filled with blankets, tarps, rubber boots, socks and winter hats

"Speaking with families, we know the fear that winter brings. I've seen far too many children with little more than sandals and short sleeves, even as winter approaches," said Conny Lenneberg, World Vision's head of programs for the Middle East. "We are working hard to ensure that we reach as many of the most vulnerable as we possibly can, so they get the protection they need, no matter the weather."

About World Vision 
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/press or follow us on Twitter at @WorldVisionNews.

SOURCE World Vision