Two children die as floods devastate northwest Syria camps

• Heavy rains and flash floods hit northwest Syria, submerging dozens of displacement camps.
• Two children die, one rescued, as over 300 families face damage and forced displacement.

Heavy rains and flash floods have swept through displacement camps in northwest Syria, submerging dozens of tents and worsening already dire conditions for thousands of families living in extreme vulnerability.

The Syrian Civil Defense reported the deaths of two children and the rescue of a third in Ain Issa, northern Latakia countryside, after torrential rains triggered deadly floods. The extreme weather has affected multiple northern Syrian regions.

Camps submerged across Idlib and Latakia

Al Jazeera reporters documented widespread flooding in camps in Khirbet al-Jawz, western Idlib, and several areas of Latakia countryside. Floodwaters swept through tents near seasonal streams, causing significant damage in camps including Al-Fatiha, Qata’a al-Nahr, Shuhada Syria, A’idoun, Ata’a al-Khair, Al-Dama, Al-Itqan, Salma, and Salma 2. Other neighboring camps also suffered varying levels of damage.

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The Syrian Civil Defense confirmed that intense rainfall in Idlib on Saturday led to floods overwhelming the camps, prompting large-scale emergency response to evacuate trapped families.

Authorities in Latakia warned residents along the northern Great River to avoid riverbanks, as floodwaters reached flows exceeding 450 cubic meters per second. The Syrian Ministry of Emergency Affairs similarly cautioned villages along the Orontes River in Darkoush and surrounding areas to stay clear of the river due to rising water levels.

Emergency response and worsening conditions

Field reports indicated that some civil defense teams were themselves trapped while attempting rescues, especially near Al-Dama camp, highlighting the hazardous conditions.

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Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disasters Raed Al-Saleh said more than 300 displaced families in western Idlib suffered damage to tents, shops, and even a hospital, following floods in a regional tributary.

In response, Idlib authorities opened schools and mosques to shelter families who lost their tents. Dozens of families faced forced displacement, while others were rendered homeless. Relief efforts continue as authorities provide emergency aid.

Structural vulnerability amplifies disaster

Many of the affected camps are among the oldest in the region, established during early waves of displacement from conflict and airstrikes. They lack basic infrastructure such as drainage networks and organized roads. Dilapidated tents and absent sanitation systems make the camps highly susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall.

Residents continue to appeal to authorities and humanitarian organizations for immediate intervention to prevent future tragedies.