HASAKA, Syria — Residents of the city of Hasaka in northeast Syria continue to struggle as the local water supply runs dry.
According to locals, Hasaka has gone without fresh water for over two weeks after the supply was cut by Turkish-backed forces, who control the Alouk water station near Sari Kani (Ras al-Ain).
“We have been using salt water a lot, this is the first time I’ve had drinking water,” local resident Mohammad Baqi told Rudaw.
The shortages have affected everyday life, with children resorting to transporting water in prams for their families.
“We don’t have showers every day. We have one per week because there is no water. The people of Hasaka are in a difficult situation,” said 10-year-old Siltan Khalil.
“We have not had a shower with clean water for 25 days,” added Eziza Sulaiman.
A displaced judge from Sari Kani told Rudaw that witholding water from Hasaka "constitutes a war crime."
The shortages are exacerbating fears around coronavirus, making it more difficult to practice basic hygiene.
The city has seen 90 cases of the virus so far. Of this number, 11 people have died.
Officials are trying to reach an agreement, through Russian and Coalition forces, to solve the water issue.
Cameraman: Aras Hamo
Translation and subtitles by Sarkawt Mohammed
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