Syrian winter goes harsh as clothes prices soar

Syria’s winter is forecast to be one of the harshest in years Within Syria, more than 4 million people are displaced — twice as many as last year — and an additional 6 million need life-saving aid. Their needs become far more intense when temperatures dip below freezing, the International Aid officials said.

Fellow newspaper, Eqtsad, reported that soar of prices hit the winter clothes in Syria where people can’t afford buying a jacket or sweater for their children.

 The price of Jacket reaches 8000 S.P ($50), Sweater 5000 S.P ($30), and Pajama (3000-7500 S.P).

Mohamed al-Owayyed, Journalist, say the prices have tripled since the last year, most people have run out of money amid the deteriorating value of Syria lira (pound), he added.

People went back to the traditional Arab coat, Fur, known in Arabic As Farwa, made of sheep’s wool, ‘’it’s very warm as if you are wearing a blanket,’’ Awayyed said.

Faraw industry has been flourishing in rebel-held areas with different sizes and colors in reasonable prices fit the Syrian crisis.

With temperatures dropping, many Syrian families have been traveling for months and have been forced to move many times, from staying with friends and relatives to sleeping in public buildings and ever-larger camps. Most have exhausted any savings, sold off jewelry and other possessions and are unprepared for the costs and perils of winter, according to Washington Post.

Saudi Authorities approved yesterday to supply 3,000 new tents, 300,000 blankets, 200,000 jackets, 600,000 sweaters and other clothes to equip refugees against the severe cold during winter, according to Arab News.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has warned of a catastrophe could occur in winter, particularly in areas with severe violence, and that the number of people needing aid could spiral.

Meanwhile, Benoit Carpentier, an IFRC spokesman, has said that there are several areas in Syria that have not been “supplied for months due to the conflict and suburbs around Damascus for almost a year.”

“Obviously, the worst situation is in besieged areas and areas with severe violence. One should also remember that many have not had any income for more than two years. Female-headed households are another big group facing food insecurity,” Carpentier stated.

Last winter, humanitarian agencies helped more than 300,000 refugees get through the cold. And the scale of the problem is far worse than a year ago, as there are roughly seven times as many refugees. Half of them are children, and more than 800,000 are 12 or younger, Washington post reported.

The crisis in Syria, which erupted in March 2011, has taken its toll on the lives of more than 126,000 people, according to statistics compiled by Human Rights Watchdogs.