Syria faces worst water crisis since 1950s as reservoirs and springs run dry

Syria is facing a severe water crisis as drought and damaged infrastructure leave millions reliant on expensive water tankers for their daily needs. In Damascus, even affluent neighbourhoods are struggling with shortages, while impoverished areas ration every drop. The Barada river is barely flowing, and the Ain al-Fijeh spring, which supplies nearly two-thirds of the capital's water, has dropped to unprecedented levels. Officials say this is the worst situation since the 1950s, with only 24% of annual rainfall received this year. The crisis is exacerbated by years of war, neglected infrastructure, and climate change. Damascus Water Administration estimates that $50 million is needed for immediate infrastructure repairs, with long-term solutions potentially costing over $5 billion. As rationing continues and water is supplied only a couple of days a week, Syrians across all social strata are grappling with the harsh realities of water scarcity. Al Jazeera's Osama Bin Javaid reports from Ain al-Fijeh, Damascus countryside. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile #Syria #Syria Drought #SyriaWaterCrisis #Damascus #DamascusDrought #SyriaWaterShortage #ClimateChange #SyriaWaterTankers #BaradaRiver #AinAlFijeh #SyriaInfrastructure #SyriaWaterRationing