How UNHCR Syria’s water support helped Latakia villages survive during the summer wildfires

In the scorching summer of last year, wildfires raged through villages in Latakia, endangering the lives and properties of their inhabitants. The flames threatened to engulf everything in their path, leaving behind devastation and despair.  

Al-Zahraa and Al-Zaytouneh villages, nestled in a picturesque valley, had always been at risk of wildfires due to their proximity to dense forests and because of the dry climate. The community relies heavily on agriculture and livestock, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the devastating impact of such disasters.  

Naqi Bakdash, 62 years old, and his family have worked for years in Al-Zahraa village and rely on agriculture as their source of income.  

While watering planted peppers in his land, Naqi told us that, “the recent fires destroyed our irrigation network, which consisted of 1,300 meters of hoses and pumps, in addition to destroying our olive trees.” 

When the wildfires struck, the neighbouring villages faced an unprecedented threat. The heat and strong winds exacerbated the situation, making it increasingly difficult for the villagers to fight the fires. As the flames closed in, the villages’ water supply was directly threatened, leaving the community in a precarious situation. Without water, their ability to combat the fires and protect their homes would be severely compromised. 

Recognizing the urgent need to support the villagers, UNHCR installed submersible pumps, solar panels, a concrete tank, and pipes for the reservoirs to ensure the farmers had access to water. But water resources are still extremely underutilized. In Al-Zahraa for instance, 800 dunums of land need irrigation, but only 400 dunums are being used for planting citrus, olive, and almond trees due to water scarcity. In nearby Al-Zaytouneh village, 150 dunums also require irrigation. UNHCR aims to provide water, through expanding the irrigation network, to approximately 950 dunums in Al-Zahraa and Al-Zaytouneh, supporting farmers in cultivating their lands. Over 1,200 residents in these villages will have improved access to safe, clean water.  

Naqi’s wife Layla spoke about its importance. “Without the water tank and the irrigation network that UNHCR provided, we would not be able to protect our houses from fires, and plant vegetables, which we are now doing.” 

UNHCR Syria’s intervention in Al-Zahraa and Al-Zaytouneh, in response to priority needs, is just one example of its ongoing commitment to support vulnerable communities. UNHCR continues to provide assistance in various forms, including in the sectors of shelter, healthcare, and education. This holistic approach addresses not only immediate needs but also long-term solutions, empowering individuals and communities to rebuild their lives and to create sustainable futures. 

The wildfires that threatened to engulf many small villages in Syria brought fear and devastation. However, UNHCR Syria’s water interventions offered hope in the face of adversity. The availability of water not only helped the community fight the fires but also served as a symbol of resilience and unity. Through its ongoing efforts, UNHCR Syria continues to support vulnerable communities, ensuring that no one is left behind, even in the most challenging of circumstances.