As if the journey wasn't already hard enough
Refugees streaming into Europe are now being confronted with cold weather as the northern winter closes in. This makes their situation even more precarious and increases the sense of urgency in aid efforts.
Speedy help needed
On the Austrian side of the crossings, tents equipped for cold weather conditions have now been set up. Authorities on the German side are planning to increase the number of buses for transporting the migrants to emergency accommodation and reception centers.
Waiting in the chill
According to a new agreement, Germany and Austria have designated five exclusive crossings along their shared border as handover and inspection points for migrants. The new crossing points will free up the heavily used border checkpoint at Passau-Achleiten.
Thousands headed for Austria
There are some 17,200 places in temporary housing for refugees seeking asylum in Austria. However, 80,000 more refugees are still expected to arrive, says Alison Langley, DW correspondent in Austria, posing a problem to ensure adequate quarters for the winter.
Heated tent camp in Lower Saxony
Not all shelters are equiped with heaters. About 4,000 refugees have to hold out in unheated camps. In Lower Saxony and other German states, the authorities are working to get the tents ready for winter.
Cold and wet
These refugees walking along the German-Austrian border were headed for emergency accommodation. DW-reporter Oliver Sallet says that the situation is still bearable, with temperatures hovering around eight degrees Celsius. Even so, it remains cold and wet.
Tough conditions in the Balkans
In Rigonce, Slovenia, a cold weather front has already moved in. According to DW reporter Nemanja Rujevic, the accommodation is mostly not winterproof. In other Balkan countries, the situation is not much better.
Multiple drownings
Eleven migrants, including six children, drowned on Sunday in a new tragedy off the Greek island of Samos, coastguards said. This adds to a string of boat accidents in the Aegean Sea since Monday, in which more than 60 people have drowned.
Crossing the Aegean Sea
The Aegean Sea will be very cold in the period between December and March. Despite this fact, refugees will still try to cross, says Omaira Gill, DW correspondent in Greece. "When the weather gets bad, the human traffickers lower their prices; therefore, more refugees will come," she says.
Last winter in Lebanon
The living conditions for Syrian refugees in Lebanon have been difficult. Lebanon was one of the first countries in which Syrians sought refuge after the outbreak of war. In the last few years Lebanon has been dealing with an estimated two to 2.5 million refugees during some very cold winters.