IFRC calls for refugees protection as freezing weather set to sweep Europe

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on Friday said plunging temperatures are expected to chill Europe this weekend, putting the lives of thousands of refugees at risk.

IFRC is calling on all governments to take steps to protect people seeking safety and ensure their suffering is not compounded as the weather deteriorates. IFRC also urges all organizations to meet their increasing needs.

"Winter looks set to arrive in the next few days, putting lives at risk and making a difficult situation for hundreds of thousands of people even more dire," said Director of IFRC in Europe Simon Missiri,

With temperatures predicted to plummet as low as minus 4 Celsius degree in parts of the Balkans and central Europe and daytime highs hovering around zero, people making the difficult cross-continent journey urgently need winter supplies.

Hypothermia and exposure are among the main health concerns as people need days making the journey across Europe to safety. Sub-zero conditions will put people at risk, especially older people, children and those who are already suffering from illness.

IFRC has been stockpiling supplies to cope with the onset of a brutal winter and is prioritizing hot meals, warm clothing, shoes and socks, blankets and sleeping bags, sourcing temporary heated accommodation, particularly across the Balkan route.

High-energy food for children will be provided and there will be an increase in the number of mobile health teams and medics operating along the routes.

IFRC has expanded its emergency appeals to more than 71.5 million Swiss francs (70.5 million U.S. dollars)fund vital work responding to population movement across Europe.

IFRC called on donors to scale up their response to the humanitarian needs which will become more acute with the imminent arrival of winter. Enditem