The Global Rundown
Shelling of the Donetsk Filter Station in Ukraine leaves thousands without water. Providing safe water is a key component of the United Nations’ $3.3 billion dollar relief appeal for families in conflict zones. Fighting in Yemen damages water infrastructure in several cities. The Syrian government remains in control of the Damascus water supply after reclaiming it from rebels.
By The Numbers
400,000 people Number affected by shelling of the Donetsk Filter Station in eastern Ukraine, which provides clean water to several cities and settlements. The damage left 15,000 to 17,000 people in the city of Avdiivka without water, and is forcing other cities to draw on emergency reservoirs. The United Nations expressed concern about “dangerous deterioration” in the region if a ceasefire between rebel forces and the Ukrainian government is not restored. UN News Centre
81 million people Number that the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) hopes to reach with a $3.3 billion dollar appeal for children and families in conflict zones. The agency’s goal is to provide access to safe water, nutrition, education, health, and protection in 48 countries. UNICEF supplied water to 13.6 million people in 2016. UN News Centre
Science, Studies, And Reports
A United Nations report urges parties involved in the conflict in Yemen to meet the obligations of international humanitarian law as infrastructure in the country deteriorates. Several cities have experienced damage to their water supply systems, and the movement of water, food, and supplies from the port city of Al Hudaydah has slowed due to destroyed roads. Relief Web
On The Radar
The Syrian government has been in control of the Damascus water supply for several days after reaching an agreement with rebel forces. No timeline has been given for restoring water to the 5.5 million people affected by the water crisis, but Syrian officials claim the situation will be rectified soon. Rebel forces controlled the Damascus water supply for six weeks prior to the agreement. The New York Times
Kayla Ritter is a recent graduate of Michigan State University, where she studied International Relations and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. She is currently based in Manton, Michigan. Kayla enjoys running, writing, and traveling. Contact Kayla Ritter
