Water Crisis in Hasakeh

One million people in Hasakeh governorate, Syria, are suffering from severe water scarcity. The Alouk Water Pumping Station, the region’s largest water source, has been repeatedly targeted and is now non-operational. It is currently controlled by Turkish backed militias. Without urgent action, water shortages will continue to devastate lives, health, agriculture, and the local economy. The crisis has escalated due to ongoing military conflicts and environmental changes, making it one of the most pressing humanitarian issues in the region.

Why Alouk Matters

Since 2019, cross border-military actions have damaged Alouk, cutting off clean water to hundreds of thousands, including displaced communities. Before its disruption, the station provided essential water supplies to Hasakeh and surrounding areas. The inability to access clean water has led to worsening health conditions, food insecurity, and forced migration. Negotiations and temporary fixes have failed. The station remains out of service due to infrastructure damage and restricted access for engineers, exacerbating an already dire situation.

The damage to Alouk has not only disrupted water access but also placed significant strain on alternative water sources, such as groundwater wells and water trucking, which are costly and unsustainable. The situation is further aggravated by increasing temperatures and prolonged droughts, making agricultural and daily water needs near impossible to meet.

Urgent Actions Needed

  • Ensure Safe Access: Engineers must be granted unrestricted access to repair and maintain Alouk. Without immediate maintenance and restoration, the region’s water crisis will continue to worsen.
  • Neutral Oversight: A third party, such as the Red Cross, should manage operations to prevent water being used as a weapon of war. Water access should be recognised as a humanitarian necessity, safeguarded from political and military conflicts.
  • Sustainable Solutions: Long-term international commitment is needed to secure water and electricity supply and prevent future disruptions. Investing in alternative water infrastructure and sustainable energy solutions will provide a stable water supply for the people of Hasakeh.

The Human Impact

The lack of clean water has far-reaching consequences for Hasakeh’s residents. Health conditions are deteriorating as people are forced to rely on contaminated water sources. Waterborne diseases, including cholera and dysentery, have seen a sharp increase, particularly affecting children and the elderly. The inability to maintain proper hygiene due to water shortages further exacerbates health risks.

Agricultural activities, once the backbone of the local economy, have significantly declined. Farmers struggle to sustain their crops and livestock, leading to food shortages and higher market prices. Many families have been forced to leave their homes in search of better living conditions, adding to the growing crisis of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Join the Campaign

Water is a basic human right. We urge international organizations, governments, and civil society to take immediate action to restore water access for Hasakeh’s population. The humanitarian consequences of inaction are too great to ignore. By working together, we can ensure that the people of Hasakeh receive the clean water they need to survive and rebuild their communities.

Join us in advocating for the restoration of Alouk Water Pumping Station and the protection of Syria’s water as a fundamental human right.