The Stream, July 13: Children in Syria Dying from Dehydration, Waterborne Illness, Says WHO

The Global Rundown

The World Health Organization (WHO) calls for access to displaced people in southern Syria as children die from dehydration and waterborne illnesses. A recent analysis shows that water use in parts of Arizona has dropped by a third in recent decades. Heavy rains in Colorado slow the spread of the state’s raging wildfires. In India, monsoon-related incidents have killed 200 people over the past month. Iraqi protestors demonstrate near major oil fields, demanding improvements to basic services.

“We want jobs, we want to drink clean water, and electricity. We want to be treated like human beings and not animals.” –Husam Abdul Ameer, a resident of Basra, Iraq, in reference to recent demonstrations taking place at major oil fields in Iraq. The protestors are calling for jobs and improvements to basic services, including water access. A handful of the protests have turned violent, prompting police intervention. Reuters

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By The Numbers

200 Estimated number of people who have died in monsoon-related accidents in India in the past month. Monsoon rains across the country have reportedly been close to average so far. Al Jazeera

15 Number of active wildfires in Colorado, as of Thursday. Drought and high temperatures have led to one of the state’s biggest-ever wildfire seasons, but residents and officials are hopeful that forecasted heavy rains will soon abate the fires. Colorado Springs Gazette

Science, Studies, And Reports

An analysis by Arizona’s Salt River Project (SRP) water agency found that overall water use among SRP consumers has fallen by one-third since 1980, despite a growing population. According to SRP officials, the decrease in use is due to conservation, wastewater recycling, and recharging groundwater. AZCentral

In context: Saving water lowered rates in two Arizona cities.

On The Radar

The World Health Organization (WHO) is requesting access to more than 200,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) who escaped violence in southern Syria. The IDPs are in need of health services and basic amenities, especially as temperatures reach 45°C (113°F). In the past week, 15 people, including 12 children, have died from dehydration and diseases caused by contaminated water. Reuters

Kayla Ritter

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