By Abdul Kimera
In its June report, the U.N warned of incidents such as those happening in Iraq and Syria currently, especially in the mediterranean basin.
The report empahasized that high temperatures could lead to water scarcity and drought soon in that region.
Now, On Monday, August 23nd, a group of international organizations including Norwegian Refugee Council, Action Against Hunger, Mercy Corps and others published a report that has indicated more than 12 million people in Syria and Iraq have got no access to enough water, food and electricity. Urgent action to combat the severe water crisis is needed, according the report. .
The report says more than 5 million people in Syria who depend on river water were directly impacted by the water crisis. The country faces its worst drought in 70 years.
Several areas across Syria including Hassakeh, Alepo, Raqqa among others have witnessed a rise in outbreaks of waterborne diseases since water levels have reduced.
In Iraq, large pieces of farmland and drinking water sources have also been depleted putting at risk the lives of at least 7 million people in regions of Kurdish and Anbar province.
The regional director of C.A.R.E in the Middle East has called upon authorities in the region and donor governments to act swiftly to save lives following the latest crisis, worsened by the havoc caused by ISIS and the biting effects of the global pandemic, Covid-19.
