HotSpots H2O, July 18: Water Shortages in Iran Could Cause Future Conflict

The Global Rundown

Severe water shortages in Iran will lead to future conflict, warns an Iranian water security organization. Life-saving humanitarian aid is reaching IDPs after a land route recently opened in northern Syria. Two men were killed in Ghazi, Pakistan after a fight over household water distribution broke out. The situation in Yemen is intensifying daily as conflict, cholera, and famine cripple the country. Conflict over resources could increase as East Africa experiences its third consecutive rainy season.

“The water resources in the country are very limited; Iran is one of the driest places in the world and we have a water crisis that has practically become a security issue.” –Alaa El-ddin Boroujerdi, head of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee. An Iranian water security organization recently released a letter criticizing the country’s Prime Minister for mishandling Iran’s water crisis up until this point. Currently, a total of 295 cities in Iran are facing drought; the letter cautioned that continued shortages could cause future resource conflict. Iran News Update

By The Numbers

11 Number of people injured in an armed dispute over water distribution in Ghazi, Pakistan, which also killed two. A man was trying to install a motor in a village well when his relatives raised concerns that the pump would limit water supply. The disagreement turned increasingly violent before police intervened. The Nation

$2.1 billion Amount of the United Nations’ humanitarian appeal for Yemen, which has only been 33 percent funded. The UN special envoy for Yemen warned that the situation in the country continues to worsen daily amid widespread fighting, cholera, and food shortages. ABC News

Science, Studies, And Reports

The recent opening of a road in northern Syria is allowing life-saving assistance to reach thousands of displaced people, reports UNHCR. The first convoy to use the land route delivered tents, jerry cans, blankets, and other essentials. Violent fighting had previously closed off the route for two years. UN News Centre

On The Radar

East Africa is undergoing its third consecutive failed rainy season, after already experiencing months of crippling drought. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) announced that the poor rains have scorched crops, worsened hunger, and killed livestock. The most recent dryness will likely cause an increase in conflicts over water supply and pasture. UN News Centre