HADEEL Al-OMAR

Idlib- People living in IDPs camps of Idlib struggle to survive despite the difficult living conditions. Winter exacerbates the suffering of displaced people living in tents; they have to burn household items and plastic to try and keep warm in freezing temperatures. This situation poses a risk to the displaced people’s lives and health.

Three siblings suffocated to death

On December 22, 2023, four siblings were hospitalized in Ahl al-Tah camp, northern Idlib, due to carbon monoxide poisoning. After treatment at hospital, they survived. On January 15, three siblings suffocated to death inside their tent in the Atma IDPs camp. “They died while sleeping inside the tent,” said 45-year-old Lina Al-Suwaid, one of the relatives of the children.

‘Families burn household items, plastic and coal to keep them warm’

Lina Al-Suwaid emphasized that families could not buy good quality coal due to financial difficulties. “This situation poses a risk to families. Families burn household items, plastic, coal and shoes to keep them warm. Such heating materials cause deaths.”

‘Carbon monoxide is the most dangerous gas’

“Carbon monoxide (CO) is the most dangerous gas,” said 38-year-old Maram Al-Sheikh, one of the healthcare workers. “It is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas that cannot be noticed. The use of unhealthy materials, closed spaces make entry and exit difficult for air and oxygen. The symptoms of carbon monoxide are headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision and drowsiness. Carbon monoxide can lead to death.”

‘Immediately move to a well-ventilated area’

“If people suspect CO poisoning, they should immediately move to a well-ventilated area,” Maram Al-Sheikh warned. “Then, they should call an ambulance. Lack of security procedures and awareness also causes people to die of carbon monoxide poisoning.”