HotSpots H2O, March 14: Famine Could Cause Worst Humanitarian Crisis Since World War II
The Global Rundown
The world may be heading toward the worst humanitarian crisis since 1945, according to UN official Stephen O’Brien. The Syrian army reclaims Aleppo’s water supply from Islamic State control. Experts weigh in on the humanitarian crisis in Africa’s Lake Chad region as Boko Haram leaves countless people without food, water, or shelter. New technology brings clean drinking water to IDPs in Iraq. The Donetsk Filter Station, which supplies water to thousands in war-torn eastern Ukraine, sustains further damage.
“Hundreds of thousands of people are living under the perpetual threat of shelling, shooting, and landmines. Their access to basics like food, water and electrical power has been dramatically curtailed.” – International Committee of the Red Cross president Peter Maurer after a five-day tour of eastern Ukraine. Mr. Maurer expressed concern for those living on the front lines of the conflict, particularly after the Donetsk Filter Station stopped functioning again. Shelling disrupted the station last month as well, affecting the water supply of 400,000 people. Relief Web
By The Numbers
2 months Length of time Islamic State controlled the main water supply to Aleppo, Syria. The Syrian army recaptured the water supply last week. Reuters
10.7 million Number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Africa’s Lake Chad region, which has been ravaged by terrorist organization Boko Haram. Representatives of leading aid agencies shared opinions on how to tackle the ongoing crisis, with several highlighting the need for clean water. Reuters
Science, Studies, And Reports
An LMS (Liquid Mineral Services) water treatment system is providing up to 60,000 liters of clean drinking water per day to internally displaced persons at the Qayyarah Airstrip Emergency Site in Iraq. Prior to the implementation of the LMS unit, residents of the Emergency Site suffered from kidney problems due to untreated water. Relief Web
On The Radar
In a chilling statement, UN Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O’Brien declared that the world is facing the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II. His claim was based on the impending famines in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen. The famines, which could jeopardize the lives of 20 million people, are largely the result of ongoing conflicts. The Guardian
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
