Iraq is facing its most severe water crisis in decades, largely attributed to record-low rainfall and upstream restrictions affecting the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. Basra, a critical port city, is experiencing extreme water shortages, prompting reliance on daily water deliveries. Residents navigate significant distances to fetch clean water, which barely meets their needs. Additionally, the local seawater's pollution leads to health problems, and increasing salinity from saltwater intrusion compounds the scarcity and quality of freshwater sources. The Mihayla desalination station has been treating salty river water to ease the crisis for residents.
Experts warn that urgent government action is needed to address a worsening water crisis in Iraq's southern region, especially in Basra, which is water-scarce.
Iraq is experiencing its driest year on record with Tigris and Euphrates levels dropping up to 27 percent due to poor rainfall and upstream restrictions.
Residents in Basra, Iraq's most climate-vulnerable region, depend on daily water deliveries, often traveling long distances to secure their allocated share of clean water.
The local seawater is polluted, causing health issues, while saltwater from the Gulf further degrades available freshwater, exacerbating the crisis in Basra.
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