Low water level of Euphrates causes diseases in Syria’s Kobani
KOBANI, Syria (North Press) – A doctor at a health center in the city of Kobani, northern Syria, said on Thursday that the contaminated water due to the decrease in the Euphrates River’s water level has led to an increase in cases of poisoning, skin and gastrointestinal diseases, and liver inflammation in the western and southern countryside of Kobani.
The continued Turkish control of the river waters, coupled with the discharge of sewage into it, has led to the contamination of drinking water and an increase in cases of poisoning. This is especially true for those who directly rely on drinking water from the river in the villages adjacent to the Euphrates River, according to medical sources.
Starting from February 2020, Turkey has been restricting the amount of water flowing from the Euphrates River into Syria, despite global and regional warnings of a potential health and agricultural crisis.
Ahmad Mahmoud, a doctor in Meshtanour Health Center in the city of Kobani, said that the number of poisoned people due to the contaminated water has exceeded 7,814 cases since beginning of 2023.
The health center is affiliated with Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES).
“The majority of cases are from the town of al-Qanaya and its countryside on the river’s bank, western the city of Kobani,” he added.
Turkey’s withholding of the Euphrates River water has led to the formation of stagnant pools where algae thrive. The increased presence of bacteria and germs in these pools has raised concerns about a humanitarian and environmental catastrophe.
Contaminated water is causing infectious diseases, especially liver inflammation and skin diseases. It particularly affects children and the elderly, leading to cases of diarrhea and gastrointestinal illnesses. In severe cases, dehydration may occur, potentially leading to serious and life-threatening conditions, according to Mahmoud.
In addition, it is important to add chlorine to water storage tanks and to quickly transport the affected individuals to hospitals or clinics for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent dehydration from reaching critical levels.
He warned against direct use of river water due to the increased presence of bacteria and disease-causing germs. Even if an individual does not immediately feel the effects of contamination, they may face health issues within a day of consuming the water or even after a prolonged period, potentially leading to other diseases.