U.N. organization says 1.8 million Syrians need drinking water
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said on Saturday more than 1.8 million people in Syria need drinking water.
More than 1.8 million people in Syria need urgent life-saving support to access safe drinking water in the summer heat, the UNOCHA said.
This came at a time when a heatwave sweeps Syria as the average temperature reached 45 ºC in the northeast of the country.
Speaking on behalf of UNOCHA’s climate team, Zinta Zommers, said: “Anticipatory action, or acting before a disaster strikes, could help minimize the impacts of heatwaves by helping people or communities take actions needed to prepare, such as improving shelters or access to water.”
But a more sustainable solution is critical, UNOCHA added, as people are trapped in a protracted crisis while also dealing with long-term forecasts of deadly heatwaves linked to the climate crisis.
Humanitarian organizations are testing solutions, such as thermally appropriate emergency housing, ‘green roofs’, cooling centers and adjustments to school timetables, according to the organization.
U.N. Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis, David Carden, said: “In protracted conflicts like Syria, what’s most needed are interventions that go beyond day-to-day survival, such as investing in water networks.”