On Sunday, the Dan Relief and Development Foundation (DRD), in partnership with the War Child organization, and in coordination with the Directorate of International Cooperation in Deir ez-Zor, the Directorate of Social Affairs and Labor in Deir ez-Zor, and the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management – Deir ez-Zor Directorate, carried out an urgent and immediate response to ensure rapid material relief and the immediate stabilization of psychological and emotional well-being for populations severely affected by the Euphrates River flood crisis

Following the sharp rise in the river’s water level, which caused the complete or partial submersion of low-lying areas and sudden displacement in the governorate, our field teams successfully deployed and delivered an integrated emergency aid package targeting 298 vulnerable families, combining urgent cash assistance with vital protection services.

Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA): In line with the project’s emergency intervention framework, each targeted family was provided with an unconditional cash grant of $150 USD. This took place in the western countryside of Deir ez-Zor, in the areas of (Shagra – 192 families, Al-Kubar – 50 families, Zugheir Jazira – 22 families, Hawayej Bou Musa – 9 families, Jazrat Milaj – 25 families).

This support aims to provide immediate material relief, granting affected families the dignity of choice and sufficient flexibility to purchase basic necessities, remove debris, and meet the survival and recovery needs they identify themselves.

Psychological Support and Risk Awareness: Parallel to the financial support, mobile protection teams conducted emergency response sessions for psychological first aid and integrated risk awareness sessions targeting the same families. These sessions focused on reducing the severity of immediate acute psychological distress, supporting mental well-being, and raising awareness among parents, caregivers, and community representatives about the dangerous conditions of the river course to prevent tragic drowning incidents.

Through this life-saving local intervention, DRD remains committed to upholding protection principles and preserving the dignity of flood-affected families during this emergency phase

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Dan Foundation for Relief and Development completed the distribution of cash assistance to families displaced by the recent events and residing in several shelters in the city of Qamishli, with support from the War Child foundation

The distribution covered 219 families across 9 shelters, with each family receiving $150 USD, as part of the humanitarian response to the urgent needs of affected families

The foundation targeted families residing in the following centers: Maan bin Zaid School, Abd al-Ahad Younan School, the Teacher Training Institute, Muhammad Hussein Mustafa School, Ibrahim Hanano School (elementary and middle levels), Ararat Nursery, Lahdo Masoud School, and Ali bin Abi Talib School

This response followed continuous coordination with foundations operating in the region since the onset of the displacement wave, aiming to organize efforts and ensure that humanitarian services effectively reach those who deserve them

Enhancing Protection in Shelters

In parallel with the distribution efforts, the foundation carried out awareness sessions targeting women, men, and adolescents within the shelters, focusing on raising awareness of protection risks, beneficiary rights, and safe access pathways to services

The sessions addressed key principles, most notably the right to receive assistance without any form of compensation, the rejection of all forms of exploitation, and the promotion of a culture of safe reporting. The awareness activities also highlighted the importance of child protection, the risks of gender-based violence, and ways to access available support services with confidentiality and dignity

These activities are part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to foster a safe and supportive environment for all shelter residents

Amid the challenges of displacement and humanitarian crises, carefully directed initiatives continue to play a vital role in easing the suffering of affected families

In this context, the DAN Foundation for Relief and Development, in cooperation with the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and with funding from the Kingdom of Norway, has distributed multi‑purpose cash assistance (MPCA) to displaced people residing in collective shelters in the city of Qamishli. The operation targeted 11 shelters, covering 300 families, each of whom received a one‑time payment of 150 USD at the beginning of March

Additionally, at the end of February, the Foundation completed the fourth round of distributing 130 ready‑to‑eat (RTE) food baskets to 130 displaced families living in seven collective shelters in the city of Hasakah

Through these rapid interventions, DAN reaffirms its commitment to providing essential support to community members during times of crisis, demonstrating its ability to respond swiftly and effectively to urgent needs—thus solidifying its role as a leading actor in humanitarian response across affected areas