Damascus, SANA-Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al-Saleh announced that 21 shelter centers have prepared in Daraa Province, with work ongoing to equip about 20 additional centers. These centers are schools or halls being made ready as quickly as possible. He noted that the support provided in these centers is in cooperation with other ministries and organizations.
In an interview with SANA, al-Saleh said that the Ministry of Health dispatched mobile clinics and medicines, while the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor provided humanitarian aid. In addition, cooperation with the Red Crescent and other humanitarian organizations continues to offer relief support including bread, food, water, and baby formula.
Two Humanitarian Crossings Prepared Between Sweida and Daraa
Al-Saleh pointed out that there are hundreds of evacuation requests from Sweida via two humanitarian crossings now set up, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior in Bosra al-Sham and Bosra al-Harir.
He noted that the evacuated families require medical services, food, and special needs for women and children, all of which are being prepared immediately and delivered upon arrival at shelter centers.
Al-Saleh said: “under direct instruction from President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a joint operations room was established in Daraa Province, and we began evacuation, assisting the wounded, and recovering the bodies of the victims.”
Evacuating Hundreds of Families to Shelter Centers in Daraa
Al-Saleh added: As of today, we have assisted around 1,747 people and evacuated hundreds of families to 21 shelter centers in Daraa. Additional centers are being prepared. We currently have over 17 ambulances and 22 evacuation vehicles responding in various areas, along with coordination for all incoming relief efforts.
The minster explained that the difficult security situation in the region, the danger to humanitarian workers, and ongoing clashes with outlaw groups prevent access to all affected areas. Thus, humanitarian needs are greater in some places than others.
Solidarity Between State and Society Contributes to Effective Response
The Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management affirmed that while challenges are difficult, solidarity between the state, society, local organizations, and international organizations helps deliver an effective and rapid response to civilians everywhere.
Al-Saleh said: “If the ceasefire agreement is upheld, our teams will be within all areas of Sweida Province within 48 hours, and we will be able to provide services and assistance,”
Restoring services in Sweida helps civilians return.
The minister indicated that the state did not suspend any services to Sweida. However, the communication breakdown was due to fuel shortages in coverage towers. The Ministry of Communications supplied fuel to some towers and landline services resumed. Power outages were due to clashes, and the Ministry of Energy is now working to repair the electricity and water networks.
Al-Saleh clarified that medical relief vehicles, equipment, and supplies are awaiting the opportunity to enter hospitals in Sweida. About 32,000 loaves of bread are also ready, but the security situation has prevented their delivery. Only one bakery is still operating in the city.
The minister expects greater displacement from the area in the next two days due to the opening of two humanitarian crossings, indicating that restoring services in Sweida will help civilians return to their city.
The government is working at full capacity.
Al-Saleh said: “The loss of civilians and the deaths of martyrs due to Israeli bombardment is extremely painful for everyone. We grieve for every victim who lost their lives. Therefore, working to restore the situation places a heavy burden on our shoulders,”
The minster emphasized that the government is working at full capacity, under the direct supervision and follow-up of the President, to establish security, first through the Ministry of Interior, and second, to provide basic services to all those in Sweida.
MHD Ibrahim
