Destructive earthquake 6 pointsher February was not the first natural disaster to hit Syria this year, Al-Monitor notes in an article.
In the northeast, Syrian farmers are suffering from a historically high level of drought that has reduced wheat production to a quarter of pre-war levels.
Already in the summer of 2020, some parts of Syria faced the worst drought in 70 years. It is significant that from October 2021 to May 2022, the amount of precipitation was 75-95% lower than the average for the northeastern provinces of the country (Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, Hasaka).
In the fall and winter of 2022, the situation unfortunately did not improve, with the result that many Syrians now face the horrifying prospect of a third year in a row without water, Al-Monitor notes.
Heavy rains and snowfalls occurred in some areas at the end of February, but they came too late and were not enough on their own.
Agricultural production in northeast Syria has fallen by more than 80% in 2022 compared to 2020, according to Mercy Corps. However, in these areas, the vast majority of residents depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
According to Al-Monitor
Source: Kathimerini
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