The European Union is allocating €1.1mn in humanitarian funding to address the escalating water crisis in Basra, southern Iraq, targeting an estimated 500,000 people severely affected by poor water quality and limited access, the EU announced on August 2.

The emergency support will address urgent water, sanitation and hygiene needs over the next six months, focusing on the most vulnerable communities. Many of those impacted live in informal settlements on the outskirts of Basra, where the crisis has been particularly acute.

This represents Basra's most serious water crisis since 2018. The current situation stems from multiple factors, including the Euphrates drying up before reaching the city and reduced Tigris River flow due to upstream drought-related usage. The resulting high salinity and water scarcity have created serious health risks, particularly for displaced populations and those already living in vulnerable conditions.

The EU funding will enable the Norwegian Red Cross, in partnership with the Iraqi Red Crescent, to ensure timely and effective assistance to the most affected communities.

The response will focus on improving access to and distribution of clean water, including maintenance and upgrading of water units in highly vulnerable areas that are either not connected to the public water network or have only limited access.

Efforts will also focus on improving water treatment systems in places with the greatest needs. Clean water will be delivered by truck to communities, helping ensure that even the most isolated areas receive safe water.

The European Union and its member states are the world's leading donors of humanitarian aid.

Through the European Commission's Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the EU helps millions of victims of conflicts and disasters each year, providing aid to the most vulnerable people based on humanitarian needs.