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UN, partners deliver vital aid to some 10,000 people in Syrian farm town

Xinhua, May 21, 2016 Adjust font size:

A UN relief convoy has successfully delivered vital food, medicines and other aid to some 10,000 residents in a Syrian town, who had been without power and running water for more than three years, a UN spokesman said here Friday.

The 29-truck convoy packed with items including cooking oil, flour, lentils, tarpaulins and cooking utensils this week reached residents of East Harasta town, just 11 km from the Syrian capital of Damascus, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here.

"Local people have been able to survive by growing some fruit and vegetables since the siege began in early 2013, but have lacked most staples," Dujarric said. "Access to services including healthcare and education is limited."

More than 250,000 Syrians have been reportedly killed and a million injured since the outbreak of the Syrian crisis in March 2011.

Some 11 million others have been forced to leave their homes, with four million fleeing abroad, including a growing number who are making the dangerous journey to Europe. Endit