Syrians in Idlib camps face water scarcity amid sweltering temperatures

IDLIB, Syria

Civilians displaced in the northwestern province of Idlib face water shortages because of scorching temperatures, drought and poor infrastructure, the director of Syria's Response Coordination Group told Anadolu Agency.

"Over 800,000 civilians in the region suffer from water scarcity in summer, along with lack of many basic necessities," said Mohammed Hallaj.

There are more than 590 camps in Idlib facing water-linked problems and relief agencies in the region should put more effort into solving the water issue, he said.

A doctor of internal medicine working at the Al-Rahme private hospital in Idlib said water loss in the body creates health problems for some organs.

"Water regulates body temperature. It constitutes 83% of the blood in the body. It moisturizes oxygen for respiration" and is an indispensable source of life, said Serhan Aswad.

Halit Mohammed, who was displaced by Assad regime forces, said residents have been facing water supply problems for five months.

"People here are poor. They don't have money to buy water. Tanker owners sell water at exorbitant prices," he said.

They pay 20 liras ($1) for a barrel of water and workers generally earn 20 liras per day, he said.

"We do not have water to drink and shower. People catch diseases such as kidney disease due to water scarcity," he added.

The Syrian civil war began in 2011 when the Bashar al-Assad regime cracked down on pro-democracy protesters.

Hundreds of thousands of people have since been killed and millions displaced, according to UN estimates.