Syrian Arab Republic: Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa & Deir-ez-Zor Humanitarian Overview (March 2024)

OVERVIEW

The humanitarian needs in Al-Hasakeh, Ar-Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor Governorates of north-east Syria (NES) remain high due to ongoing hostilities, and economic decline. There is a severe water, fuel and electricity crisis negatively impacting the population.

Malnutrition rates have increased dramatically in NES, particularly among children under five and pregnant and lactating women.

Several factors are also affecting agricultural production, most notably climate change (abnormal temperature, pattern of rainfall) and the low availability and high prices of production inputs, especially fertilizer and fuel. This has led to reduced agricultural production (crops and livestock), further impacting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, and diminishing agricultural employment opportunities.
Fuel shortages for heating and cooking have been reported across internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugee camps in all three governorates as of 15 January. This scarcity has left vulnerable camp inhabitants without means for cooking and heating amidst near-freezing weather conditions. While efforts have been made to allocate kerosene to these camps, production levels remain insufficient to meet demand.

A renewed wave of violence in the region has caused multiple civilian deaths and injuries. Continuous attacks have also inflicted significant damage on major infrastructure, notably power stations and oil production fields, resulting in severe shortages of electricity and fuel in NES. This has in turn had a profound and adverse impact on numerous essential services, including water stations, health facilities, schools, public bakeries, wheat mills and other facilities, either rendering them out of service entirely or partially due to energy shortages. This disruption has had a detrimental effect on multiple sectors, including agriculture, health, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and livelihoods, particularly affecting thousands of farmers who rely on fuel to operate irrigation and agricultural equipment. Furthermore, attacks on main roads have impeded the ability of humanitarian partners to access communities in dire need, due to security concerns.

Alouk water station, situated near the Syrian-Turkish border in Ras Al Ain, is a critical source of drinking water for more than 600,000 people, primarily residing in Al-Hasakeh and Tal Tamer sub-districts, including Al Hol and three other IDP camps. Since November 2019, the station has experienced recurring operational interruptions, compelling humanitarian actors to provide emergency water trucking services. Despite sporadic operational periods in 2023, the station has functioned at less than 50 per cent capacity, impacting up to one million people, including 100,000 residents of Al Hol and other IDP camps and settlements.
The station has remained non-operational since October 2023, leading to significant delays in water supply to the population of Al-Hasakeh Governorate.