Water crisis and drought threaten 12 million in Syria, Iraq

Unfolding water crisis will soon become an ‘unprecedented catastrophe’ across Syria and Iraq, NGOs say.

More than 12 million people in Syria and Iraq are losing access to water, food and electricity, 13 aid groups warned in a report as they called for urgent action to combat the severe water crisis. Rising temperatures, record low levels of rainfall, and drought are depriving people across the region of drinking and agricultural water, said the report, published on Monday. Syria is currently facing its worst drought in 70 years. Compiled by a group of international organisations, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Danish Refugee Council, CARE,  Action Against Hunger, and Mercy Corps, among others, the report warned higher temperatures caused by climate change increased the risks and severity of droughts in the region.