Iraq's historic drought sparks severe water crisis in Basra

Iraq is having one of its worst droughts in nearly a century. A severe water crisis grips the southern city of Basra, where thousands queue for tankers as the Tigris and Euphrates rivers have seen their levels drop by nearly 30% due to low rainfall and upstream restrictions.
This decline allows saltwater from the Persian Gulf to contaminate the Shatt al-Arab estuary, creating a desperate daily struggle for potable water.
The saline pollution has decimated agriculture and marine life, while also causing skin diseases. Although a desalination plant provides some relief, experts warn that the government's response is critically inadequate.
The situation risks repeating a 2018 mass poisoning outbreak, highlighting Basra's extreme vulnerability to climate change and poor water management.

Al Jazeera’s Mahmoud AbdelWahed reports from Basra, Iraq.

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Post from Al Jazeera on August 19, 2025

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